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City staff briefs Bangor advisory committee on code of ethics obligations for appointees
Summary
City staff reviewed the municipal code of ethics for committee appointees, covering conflicts of interest, social media use, fundraising limits, and political-activity guidance. Members were asked to disclose potential conflicts and to avoid using their role to influence hiring or contracting.
City staff delivered a briefing on the city code of ethics and how it applies to citizen appointees on the Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Advisory Committee.
"The code of ethics also applies to all of you," City Manager Debbie Lohrey told the group, noting that committee members are appointees of the council and must conduct themselves in an impartial and unbiased manner. Lohrey summarized several topics: conflicts of interest and disclosure, the prohibition on using official position to influence hiring or purchases, limits on accepting gifts or favors, guidance on social media, and restrictions around fundraising and representing third-party interests before city boards.
Staff clarified that advising on policy and assisting with system-level recruitment work is acceptable but direct participation in hiring decisions or contracting for city business would be prohibited. The briefing addressed political activity, noting that appointees retain First Amendment rights but should avoid actions that could reasonably be perceived as using the office to influence local elections. City staff suggested simple disclaimers for members who speak publicly to make clear whether they are speaking as private citizens or on behalf of the committee.
Members asked about religiously affiliated community events and whether committee support or endorsement would be permissible. City staff replied that if a majority of the committee wishes to support an activity, that decision can be discussed and recorded as a committee action and members should disclose any relevant conflicts prior to deliberation.
No formal action was taken because the meeting lacked a quorum; the presentation was informational and staff offered to provide follow-up materials and sample disclosure language.
