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Conservation District Ethics Module 6. Introduction. Honest and open government is fundamental to a free society. . .[Ethical Laws] are intended to ensure that public officials remain public servants.
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Introduction Honest and open government is fundamental to a free society. . .[Ethical Laws] are intended to ensure that public officials remain public servants. …All of us who accept public office, whether elected or appointed, also accept an ethical duty to serve honestly and in the public’s interest. -State of Idaho, Office of Attorney General Lawrence Wasden-
Oath of Office All elections conducted in this state on behalf of each political subdivision within the county shall be conducted in a uniform manner with regard to the qualifications of electors and shall be conducted on the dates as provided by law. In the event that a statute governing a political subdivision provides for qualifications more restrictive than the qualifications for an elector in section 34-402, Idaho Code, the election official of the district shall provide an elector’s oath to be executed at the time of the election certifying to the elector’s qualifications for the specific election. Idaho Code 34-1403
Abuse of Position No public servant shall • Use public position for personal gain (18-1359) • Sell their political endorsement (18-1358) • Make threats or use other improper influence of their position in official and political matters. Make threats against government officials (18-1353) • Receive compensation for or create retaliation for past official actions (18-1354-55)
Acceptance of Gifts • No public servant [while acting on behalf of their agency] shall solicit, accept or agree to accept any pecuniary benefit from a person known to be subject to such regulation, inspection, investigation or custody. Idaho Ethics in Government, pg. 2.
Conflict of Interest A member or employee of a governing board, commission, or joint commission shall not participate in any proceeding or action when the member or employee or his employer, business partner, business associate, or any person related to him by affinity or consanguinity within the second degree has an economic interest in the procedure or action. (67-6506)
Diversity in the Workplace • Watch this movie clip for information on diversity in Idaho Workplaces
Discrimination Idaho Code 67-5909
Is it Nepotism? • The related person is elected to the office by the public • The related person is given employment, contracts or services by the agency where the elected official is serving Idaho Code 18-1359
Confidentiality All records maintained by state and local government entities [are] available for public access and copying. (Idaho Code 9-335) The EXCEPTION: Judicial records or records of closed meetings and other documents covered in Idaho code 9-340a-340b