Summary of Points - Conflicts in Office

• Public office is a public trust. Elected officials are delegated power by the public, obliged to exercise that power as the public’s trustees. Appointed officials serve at the pleasure of the legislative body and are charged with implementation of policy set by that body.

• A local government official shall not: represent his/her opinion as that of government; use governmental personnel, property or funds for personal gain or benefit; solicit or accept gifts, loans, goods, services or other things of value that tend to influence his/her performance of official duties; engage in business transactions in which he/she may profit from his/her official position.

• A local government official shall not participate in the negotiation or execution of contracts, making loans, granting subsidies, fixing reates, issuing permits or certificates or other regulation or supervision relating to a business entity in which the public officer has a financial or personal interest.

• There are significant consequences for a public official or governing body acting outside the limits of their authority.