Ethics Code Amended To Ensure 'Public Trust' In Town All Officials

GUILFORD, CT —The Guilford Board of Ethics recently revised its Code of Ethics to amplify and expand the high ethical standards expected of Guilford public officials.

The code applies to all officials of the town, including elected or appointed holders of public office, town and Board of Education employees, as well as members of any board, commission, authority or committee. Consultants engaged and compensated by the town are also required to avoid prohibited activity as set forth in the Code of Ethics.

A revision to the Code’s Section 31-1:

“Establishment; purpose.” emphasized the essential nature of maintaining public trust in the integrity of officials, and the affirmative responsibility of each official to promote confidence in the conduct of town business.

A new section, “Appearance of Impropriety” was added to allow the Board to more comprehensively address situations where even lawful behavior that can compromise an official’s ability to make decisions in the public interest has the potential to create an appearance of impropriety and is to be avoided.

Guilford first adopted a Code of Ethics in 1995, and implemented a comprehensive revision in
2013, prior to the current revision approved in 2021.

The complete Code of Ethics can be found on the town's website here: www.ci.guilford.ct.us

For questions or more information, contact Deborah Daddio, Chairperson c/o the Office of the
First Selectman at 203-453-8015 or via the town website.