Connecticut Office of State EthicsThe Connecticut Office of State Ethics practices and promotes the...
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Connecticut Office of State Ethics WHY ETHICS MATTER! for Government Finance Officers of CT Presented by Nancy S. Nicolescu, Director Education and Communications
Transcript of Connecticut Office of State EthicsThe Connecticut Office of State Ethics practices and promotes the...
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
WHY ETHICS MATTER!for Government Finance Officers of CT
Presented byNancy S. Nicolescu, DirectorEducation and Communications
• Established in 1977 as the Ethics Commission
• 2005 Government Reforms Creates Office of State Ethics
• Civil Enforcement Agency
• Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board Governing Body 9 Appointed Members Monthly open meetings
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
ABOUT US
OUR MISSIONThe Connecticut Office of State Ethics
practices and promotes the highest ethical standards and accountability in state
government by providing education and legal advice, ensuring disclosure, and
impartially enforcing the Codes of Ethics.
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
What’s the Point?LobbyistsContractorsState Officials State Employees
Who is Covered by the Code of Ethics
The Big Picture
• Gifts• Conflicts of Interest• Use of State Position• Other Employment• Revolving Door
Knowing the Limits
HOW WE CONDUCT OURSELVES AS PROFESSIONALS
Why the Code?Prevent Corruption
Protect Government Interests
Attract Good Public Servants
Provide Transparency
Citizens – You!
Public Policy
What is Ethics?
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
PersonalValues are like fingerprints. Nobody’s
are the same but you leave them all over everything you do.
LegalSpecific Rules About Behavior
Value OrientedKnowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what’s right to do –
Potter Stewart
CulturalWithout ‘ethical culture,’ there is no salvation for humanity.
Albert Einstein
PracticalWhat you do when no one is looking
Why Ethics Matter?
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
Using position for personal benefit
Rules apply on the job after hours when you leave public service
Accepting Gifts
Using your position to benefit: yourself your family your business
Outside employment
Representing others before the state
Contracting with the state
Revolving Door You can’t tear down privately
what you built up publicly side-switching
Lobbying Using relationships vs. using
knowledge
What About Local Ethics?
No Municipal Jurisdiction Many municipalities have local Ethics Commissions Agency Legislative Proposal Corruption Tax Reverse Mandate Saves Cities and Towns $$$
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
What Are YOUR Rules?
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
What won’t you do?
What is your plan?
Contact Us
Connecticut Office of State Ethics
Agency Address: Connecticut Office of State Ethics18-20 Trinity StreetSuite 205Hartford, CT 06106
Telephone: 860-263-2400
Facsimile: 860-263-2402
Website: www.ct.gov/ethics
E-Mail: [email protected]
