Simsbury Public Hearing Proposed Amendments to Code of Ethics July 13, 2026

Board of Selectmen Public Hearing Proposed Amendments to Code of Ethics July 13, 2026

Unethical behavior is any action, conduct, or decision that violates accepted moral principles, societal norms, or established professional standards. It essentially involves doing what is considered wrong, unfair, or improper within a specific community, often resulting in harm to others or an unfair advantage for oneself.

A municipal code of ethics establishes clear standards of conduct for public officials, employees, board members and consultants. It ensures transparency, protects public resources, and fosters community trust.

The Code of Ethics is a roadmap for judging the conduct or actions of people that defy the Rule of Law.

The Board of Ethics who oversee the conduct of others must be able to judge their peers and are willing to call the balls and strikes as presented and are willing to reprimand those that are unethical.

Disciplinary action should include formal warnings, demotions, suspensions, or immediate employment termination depending on the violation's severity.

There should not be any “get out of jail free” cards for anyone regardless of their perceived stature in the community.

The Town can establish a policy that looks good on paper but the people overseeing the conflicts must be willing to be impartial when judging the conduct of others.

Choosing the candidates for the Board of Ethics should be thoroughly vetted for willingness to listen to the complaint and evaluate the conduct of others regardless of the consequences as a result of their votes.