March 11, 2006
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s loyalty to an organization or client is questionable due to conflicting personal interests. In this case, the organization is the PCD.
The board commits itself and its members to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as board members. Accordingly,
1. In their board work, members agree to consider matters involving the PCD unconflicted by loyalties to staff, other organizations, and any personal interest as a consumer.
2. Members must avoid conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility.
a. There will be no self-dealing or business by a member and the organization except when openness and appropriate competition are
b. When the board is to decide upon an issue, about which a member has an unavoidable conflict of interest,* that member shall absent herself or himself without comment from not only the vote, but also from the deliberation.
c. Members may not obtain employment in this organization for themselves, family, or close associates. For such a person to apply for employment, a member must first resign.
d. Members will annually disclose their involvements with other organizations, with vendors, or any associations that might produce a conflict.
3. Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization except as explicitly set forth in board policies.
a. Member’s interaction with the D.E. or with staff must recognize the lack of authority vested in individuals except when explicitly board authorized.
b. Member’s interaction with public, press or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the inability of any board member to speak for the board except to repeat explicitly stated board decisions.
4. Members will respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.
5. Members will be properly prepared for board deliberation.