Orange County NC Website
16 <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 /> when applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in communications <br /> outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters. <br /> 17. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board's workload. <br /> 18. To the extent appropriate, they should be willing to put the board's interests ahead <br /> of their own and shall avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and shall, under <br /> no circumstances, use their position on any board for personal gain or profit. <br /> 2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development <br /> Commission, and Board of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment, and <br /> prior to December 31 annually thereafter, disclose: <br /> 1. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real property <br /> situated in whole or in part in Orange County and the general description of that <br /> property. <br /> Rachel Royce <br />