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Advisory board asks town counsel to clarify conflict‑of‑interest rules for fishermen members
Summary
Members requested a legal interpretation of conflict‑of‑interest and ethics rules that affect fisherman board members who participate in discussions or votes affecting their livelihoods; board agreed to seek town‑counsel guidance and to advise members on abstention vs. recusal.
The Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board on June 3 asked town counsel to clarify conflict‑of‑interest and ethics rules governing board members who work as commercial fishermen.
Mister Anderson reviewed materials he had circulated, summarizing his interpretation: if a single board member holds the sole personal interest in a matter (for example, a permit tied only to that person), the guidance suggests that person must recuse entirely; if multiple fishers are affected, a member could participate in discussion but may need to abstain from voting. “If there's more than one person involved in it…you could abstain from voting on that,” Anderson said, adding that he is not a lawyer and recommended seeking official counsel.
Board members said they rely on fishermen on the board for operational knowledge about the fisheries and want a written legal opinion so those members can participate confidently in discussion while meeting legal obligations. The board agreed Mister Anderson would request town counsel’s formal interpretation and report back before the fall season when many fishery issues arise.
Practical interim approach discussed: one member said he would stand up from the board table and participate as a member of the public on items where a conflict might be alleged, and would abstain from votes. The board did not take formal action beyond the request to seek counsel.
