The proper operation of a town government requires that its officers and employees be independent, impartial, and accountable to the people. All officers and employees shall conduct themselves in a professional and respectable manner towards the public and one another. Though assurance of such conduct will continue to rest primarily on personal integrity and community vigilance, the establishment of standards is another step toward ensuring government decisions are arrived at free of conflict of interest. It is also the purpose of this chapter to protect officials and employees from unwarranted accusations that impugn their integrity by distinguishing material conflicts of interest from those that are inconsequential, recognizing that for local government to attract and hold competent and professional public servants, public service must not require a complete divesting of all proprietary interests. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established an ethics and disclosure law for all officers and employees in the Town of Wilton. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this code and the provisions of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law, this code shall prevail, except that nothing in this code shall authorize conduct otherwise prohibited by Article 18 of the General Municipal Law.
How to file a complaint with the Ethics Advisory Board
The Ethics Advisory Board (EAB) shall consist of five members, each appointed by vote of the Town Board. Each appointee must reside in the Town of Wilton. The chair shall be selected by a majority vote of the Town Board.
The EAB shall meet at least once annually on or about the first day of May. The EAB shall hear or receive complaints or comments brought by any citizen. The EAB shall review filed disclosure statements which have been submitted by officials and employees.
