Agenda 11-11-2021; 5 - Orange County Housing Authority – Appointment Discussion

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Code of Ethics 1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from improper influence as they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and behaviors that are consistent with this standard are: 1. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values. 2. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they interact. 3. Exhibiting trustworthiness. 4. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they are or what they are doing. 5. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner. 6. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and not subject to improper influence, while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others. 7. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings, and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi-judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves. 8. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public with respect, and honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree. 9. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard. 10. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that reflect badly on the office, the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange County Board of Commissioners. 11. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly. 12. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act on behalf of the board, but may only do so if the board specifically so authorizes, and that the board must take official action as a body. 13. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices. 14. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect. 15. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings. 16. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to them, and when applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in communications outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters. 17. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board’s workload. 18. To the extent appropriate, they should be willing to put the board’s interests ahead of their own and shall avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and shall, under no circumstances, use their position on any board for personal gain or profit. 2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, and Board of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment, and prior to December 31 annually thereafter, disclose: 1. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real property situated in whole or in part in Orange County and the general description of that property. 2. Any legal, equitable, beneficial or contractual interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in any business, firm or corporation, which is currently doing business with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded by Orange County, or which is attempting, or has attempted in the past calendar year, to secure the award of a bid from Orange County or the approval of any Board or Agency of Orange County. 3. Failure to file a disclosure statement setting out the above required information shall result in immediate removal of the member from the applicable board. Valerie C Sauer 13