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City interviews librarian Theodore Griffiths for new Lancaster City Ethics Commission slot
Summary
Lancaster City Council interviewed Theodore Griffiths, a Lancaster public‑library manager, as one of five candidates for three openings on a newly created Ethics Commission; members asked about bias, conflict handling and availability for volunteer service.
Lancaster City Council conducted one of a planned series of interviews on May 27 for nominees to a newly created Lancaster City Ethics Commission, hearing from Theodore Griffiths, a Lancaster Public Library manager.
Griffiths told council he lives in the city, has not held elected or appointed office in the last year and does not hold party or PAC positions. He described his professional background as a librarian and manager overseeing business services and circulation at Lancaster Public Library and said he assists entrepreneurs with market research and connects them to local partners.
Council members asked about impartiality, prior ethical dilemmas, board experience and how Griffiths would handle complaints involving acquaintances or friends. Griffiths said he recognizes personal biases but would “keep those at home” and cited the library profession’s code of ethics and the principle of freedom of information as professional guides. He described a prior ethical dilemma when books with controversial content circulated at a previous library job and said he ultimately left those materials in circulation while upholding information access.
When asked how he would handle a situation in which a friend or acquaintance was the subject of an ethics complaint, Griffiths said he would prioritize the greater good and would not let personal relationships prevent calling out misconduct.
Councilors confirmed the appointment process: the council plans additional interviews at a June committee meeting and will hear motions to nominate at the regular meeting on June 10. Council President Baker explained applicants were chosen via a ranked‑choice process and that five candidates will be interviewed for three positions on the new commission.
Griffiths said he has not previously served on volunteer boards and said this would be his first such appointment; he also said he and his wife previously ran a bed‑and‑breakfast and that he earned a master's degree in library science in the prior year. Several councilors thanked him for his willingness to serve.
