PrintAfter the ethical controversies in the last few months, the Union Township trustees approved a conflict of interest policy at their regular meeting Nov. 13.
The policy, which has been in the works for about three months, was modeled after other small governments' conflict of interest policies, said Bob McGee, president of the trustee board.
"We researched other policies in the area and came out with one of our own," McGee said. "After all the problems we've had earlier this year, (the trustees) wanted to make sure the public knew we were trying to do what's right ... Put the trust back in the trustees."
The conflict of interest policy reads: "It is the policy of Union Township to carry out its mission in accordance with the strictest ethical guidelines and to ensure that all Union Township elected officers and appointed employees conduct themselves in a manner that fosters public confidence in the integrity of the township, its processes, and its accomplishments."
The policy applies to elected officials, appointed employees as well as all township employees. They all must sign a release state they were given a copy of the conflict of interest policy.Union Township's conflict of interest policy aligns the township's ethical policies "in accordance with upholding and observing the intent and spirit of the Ohio Ethics Law and the Ohio Revised Code," the policy states.
"(The trustees) feel that this is good policy that we all agree on," McGee said. "This policy shows the public what we expect of our officials and employees and exactly how to deal with conflicts."
The policy is effective Nov. 13 and will not apply to any retroactive issues. However, any future violations of any part of this conflict of interest policy will be subject to the disciplinary actions outlined in Article VII of Union Township's personnel policy manual.
"(Article VII) allows the township to impose disciplinary action if necessary. Certainly most of that would go through the Ohio Ethics Commission," Wright said.
This conflict of interest policy will remain in full force unless amended by the trustees.
