Library Board of Trustees Agenda and Packet 2013 05 09

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Louisville Public Library Code of Ethics & Conflict of Interest Statements Revised and re -adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, March 14, 2013. The following summary is taken from the City of Louisville Open Government & Ethics pamphlet. Citizens are encouraged to contact the City Manager's Office with any questions about the City's Code of Ethics. A copy of the Code is available at the City's web site (www.LouisvilleCO.gov) and also from the Offices of the City Manager and City Clerk. Ethics Ethics are the foundation of good government. Louisville has adopted its own Code of Ethics, which is found in the City Charter and which applies to elected officials, public body members, and employees. The Louisville Code of Ethics applies in addition to any higher standards in state law. Louisville's position on ethics is perhaps best summarized in the following statement taken from the City Charter: "Those entrusted with positions in the City government must commit to adhering to the letter and spirit of the Code of Ethics. Only when the people are confident that those in positions of public responsibility are committed to high levels of ethical and moral conduct, will they have faith that their government is acting for the good of the public. This faith in the motives of officers, public body members, and employees is critical for a harmonious and trusting relationship between the City government and the people it serves." The City's Code of Ethics (Sections 5-6 through 5-17 of the Charter) is summarized in the following paragraphs. While the focus is to provide a general overview of the rules, it is important to note that all persons subject to the Code of Ethics must strive to follow both the letter and the spirit of the Code, so as to avoid not only actual violations, but public perceptions of violations. Indeed, perceptions of violations can have the same negative impact on public trust as actual violations. Conflicts of Interest One of the most common ethical rules visited in the local government arena is the "conflict of interest rule." While some technical aspects of the rule are discussed below, the general rule under the Code of Ethics is that if a Council, Board, or Commission member has an "interest" that will be affected by his or her "official action," then there is a conflict of interest and the member must: • Disclose the conflict, on the record and with particularity; • Not participate in the discussion; • Leave the room; and • Not attempt to influence others. An "interest" is a pecuniary, property, or commercial benefit, or any other benefit the primary significance of which is economic gain or the avoidance of economic loss. However, an "interest" Ethics & Conflict of Interest Statements Page 1 of 3