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Ethics Guidelines for Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions * <br />I agree by my signature below that, if appointed, I pledge to comply with the following ethics <br />guidelines for advisory boards and commissions as adopted by the Orange County Board of <br />Commissioners. <br />Conflict of Interest <br />1. During advisory board meetings, a member shall immediately disclose any potential <br />conflict of interest and request to be excused from voting when he or she has a conflict of <br />interest. <br />2. During appeal proceedings, the applicant has the right to question the interest of any <br />voting member. The advisory board chair should consult with the County Attorney or <br />staff attorney on any potential conflict of interest in appeal matters. <br />3. In determining from existing facts and circumstances whether a conflict of interest exists <br />the determining party shall consider the facts and circumstances as would an ordinary <br />and reasonable person exercising prudence, discretion, intelligence, and due care. <br />Gifts <br />1. An advisory board member shall not directly or indirectly ask, accept, demand, exact, <br />solicit, seek, assign, receive, or agree to receive any gift or honorarium for the advisory <br />board member, or for another person, in return for being influenced in the discharge of <br />the advisory board member’s official responsibilities. <br />2. This section shall not apply to gifts or awards authorized by Orange County Policies, <br />Resolutions, or Ordinances. <br />Code of Ethics <br />1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from improper <br />influence as they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and behaviors <br />that are consistent with this standard are: <br />1. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values. <br />2. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they interact. <br />3. Exhibiting trustworthiness. <br />4. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they are or <br />what they are doing. <br />5. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, <br />presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner. <br />6. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and not subject to improper influence, while <br />at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others. <br />7. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public <br />meetings, and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi-judicial <br />matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves. <br />8. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public with <br />respect, and honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree. <br />9. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard. <br />10. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that reflect <br />badly on the office, the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange County <br />Board of Commissioners. <br />11. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly. <br />12. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act on <br />behalf of the board, but may only do so if the board specifically so authorizes, and <br />that the board must take official action as a body. <br />13. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices. <br />14. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect. <br />15. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings. <br />16. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to them, and <br />Dennis Carmody <br />8