An Ethics Plan For Milton's Future

With shovels going into the ground recently at the Global Foundries site, there can be no doubt that significant changes are on the way for this area. To ensure those changes are positive opportunities for growth; it’s going to take commitment on the part of our elected officials and a real vision for the future. An important part of creating that solid foundation is ensuring good, ethical local government.

As the former Director of Training for the New York State Commission on Public Integrity and now Counsel for the New York State Conference of Mayors, I have had the opportunity to travel New York State and train thousands of public officials and municipal employees on the myriad of laws, rules and regulations which make up our State’s ethics laws.

One common theme in all of the hundreds of ethics training sessions I have taught is that the vast majority of public servants are honest, hard-working employees and officials who want to do the right thing for their community.

Often municipal ethics codes are out of date. Milton’s ethics code is no different. It’s outdated, vague and in need of significant revisions.

As a candidate for Milton Town Council this year, I am proposing an ethics plan that will modernize Milton’s ethics code and put our town on the right path for the future.

First, I propose a mandatory revision of our town’s ethics code. Many changes have taken place in our Town since the code was last updated and it must reflect that changes are occurring. In addition to a mandatory revision, I propose that the code require review and revision every four years to determine whether modifications are necessary. By instituting a mandatory revision policy, we ensure that the ethics code will not just sit on the shelf and collect dust.

Second, I propose mandatory ethics training for all town officials and employees every two years. In my work around the state, I have found that most public officials have never received ethics training. As a town, we must do better and make sure that those who are placed in positions of public trust know and understand the standards for which they will be held accountable. As part of the new hire process, all employees of the town should receive a copy of the ethics code and sign an affirmation that they have read, understand and will abide by its provisions.

Finally, I propose implementing a process whereby public officials and employees can request and receive a timely confidential ethics advisory opinion in the event that they need guidance. This will nurture an environment in which local government employees can comfortably seek independent advice on how to meet their obligations to provide uncompromised public service.

By modernizing Milton’s ethics code and enacting these simple reforms, our town can lead the way by setting the standard at the local government level on ethics issues. Not only will that better prepare us for the future, but it will also give us a local government that is beyond reproach and will make all of our citizens proud.

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