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Clark County briefing stresses conflict-of-interest rules, gifts limits and independent ethics commission
Summary
County legal staff reviewed Washington ethics law (RCW 42.23), the county charter’s friends-and-family rules, the Ethics Review Commission process and practical steps officials should take to avoid conflicts of interest and disclosure problems.
Clark County legal staff told council members that state ethics law (RCW chapter 42.23) and the county charter prohibit officials from entering into county business that creates a private financial benefit and emphasize strict limits on nepotism and gifts. "Don't do business with the county," the presenter said, adding that council members should avoid transactions that could be construed as assisting people with whom they have financial relationships.
The training explained why appearance and process matter. The presenter said small office gifts shared by everyone are generally acceptable, but larger, targeted gifts or hospitality from people who have business before the…
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