Ethics Commissions & Administration

When an ethics commission is appointed by the city's principal officials, can it possibly clear the air with respect to allegations against them? Baltimore's Board of Ethics has five members, four of them appointed by the mayor, three of those confirmed by the Council, and the fifth member appointe…

This is the place to discuss the establishment and the role of an Ethics Commission. The most important issue here is an Ethics Commission's independence: how important it is and how best a municipality can achieve it. With respect to EC independence and competence, please share your thoughts or ex…

This is the place to discuss the Ethics Commission's jurisdiction, powers, and duties. The most controversial matter here is over whom an Ethics Commission should have jurisdiction: elected officials, unionized employees, consultants, candidates, people and entities that do business with the city o…

Like penalties, the topic of advisory opinions appears in both the ethics provision and administration sections of the Model Code. Advisory opinions are the most important of an Ethics Commission's responsibilities, and often the most underutilized. Regular use of this option, and the creation of a…

This is the place to discuss the usefulness of annual reports, as well as whether an Ethics Commission should periodically review the code and its rules, regulations, and administrative procedures. Please share your experiences with annual reports and reviews. 212 Annual Reports; Review of Ethics L…

The Model Code makes Ethics Commission investigations confidential. However, upon a finding of probable cause, Ethics Commission proceedings become public. In addition, disclosure statements, advisory opinions, waiver requests, and documents filed in Ethics Commission proceedings are public. Please…