skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
About Our Blog Our Authors
Share this:


MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Two gold wedding rings on a stack of US $100 dollar bills

Conflict of Interest and the Spouse

April 11, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Contractual situations involving spouses or partners of local government officials can present complications that are not immediately apparent, and so elected officials and governing bodies should tread carefully.

Read more

A male conference attendee choosing dessert from a table

But What About Me? Ethics for Local Public Employees

February 13, 2023  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

While state law addresses ethics for some kinds of municipal officers, these and other laws help all employees understand how to conduct day-to-day business while avoiding conflicts of interest. 

Read more

A Gift? For Me? The Basics of Gifts for Municipal Officers and Employees

A Gift? For Me? The Basics of Gifts for Municipal Officers and Employees

December 5, 2022  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Among many issues that municipal officials and employees should treat with caution is the acceptance of gifts — especially those given in connection with their position or duties. In addition to raising concerns about propriety, acceptance of such a gift may violate state law.

Read more

Resolving Financial Conflicts of Interest: Is Abstaining from Voting Enough?

Resolving Financial Conflicts of Interest: Is Abstaining from Voting Enough?

February 22, 2022  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

When a governing body votes on contracts, it's important that the individual members not have a conflict of interest in it being awarded to a specific firm. Is it enough for an individual to abstain from voting or should the governing body avoid any chance a conflict may arise?

Read more

Bringing the Family to Work

Bringing the Family to Work

April 19, 2021  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Recruitment and Hiring ,  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

This blog looks at nepotism and how it applies to local governments. 

Read more

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 2: Processing Complaints, Imposing Discipline

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 2: Processing Complaints, Imposing Discipline

February 3, 2021  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Part Two of this series on local ethics codes reviews items in a code that help when dealing with a possible violation. 

Read more

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 1: Considerations, Scope, and Applicability

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 1: Considerations, Scope, and Applicability

February 1, 2021  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Part One of this two-part blog series looks at why a local government would want to adopt an ethics code, who the code could apply to, and what behavior the code might cover. 

Read more

Oh Boy! A Gift!

Oh Boy! A Gift!

November 26, 2018  by  Paul Sullivan
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

With the holidays just around the corner, Legal Consultant Paul Sullivan explores the rules surrounding municipal gift "giving" and "receiving." 

Read more

The Distinction between ‘Legal’ and ‘Ethical’ Behavior

The Distinction between ‘Legal’ and ‘Ethical’ Behavior

December 11, 2017  by  Jim Doherty
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

The line between what is legal and what is ethical is not always clear. Legal Consultant Jim Doherty looks at the definitions of each and the role these concepts play in the public sphere. 

Read more

LOAD MORE