Norwalk City ethics code lists censure, removal, fines and personnel penalties for violations

Pat, a Norwalk resident and member of the Norwalk City Board of Ethics, outlined penalties under Chapter 32, Section 13 of the Norwalk City code of ethics, saying elected and appointed officials "could be censured, impeached, or removed from office" and that employees "may be censured, disciplined, and may which may include demotion or discharge from employment."

The summary, delivered during a board ethics briefing, said the city may recover damages through civil actions related to unethical conduct and that any violations would be placed in the officer or employee’s personnel file. The presentation also said a fine of up to $250 per violation may be imposed on an officer or employee found in violation and that such fines may be in addition to other disciplinary measures.

Pat said the validity of any actions or decisions affected by an ethics violation "will be determined by general principle of Connecticut law," and that contracts or rulings influenced by a violation may be voided. The speaker characterized the subject as important: "The city takes this very, very seriously."

The board member directed listeners to the city website and to the board of ethics liaison, Brian Candela, for further information and materials, including a citizens' guide to the code of ethics. The remarks reiterated previously reviewed material from Section 32-12 on the ethics complaint procedure.

The briefing did not include any formal motions, votes, or changes to the code; it was a summary of existing penalties and procedures under the cited code section.