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Sudbury Select Board adopts revised code of conduct after hours‑long debate over 'abide by' language
Summary
After a protracted discussion about whether language that board members should 'abide by' decisions could raise First Amendment or interpretation concerns, the Select Board voted to adopt a town‑counsel‑redlined code of conduct based on the MIIA template, with final counsel review.
The Select Board on Dec. 3 approved a revised code of conduct policy redlined by town counsel after an extended debate about language that would require board members to recognize they are "part of a team and should abide by all decisions of the committee once they are made."
Town Counsel Lee Smith advised the board and provided a model policy. Several members voiced support for aspirational language about behaving respectfully and moving forward after a majority vote; others raised legal concerns. "I have First Amendment concerns about a code of conduct policy in general," Lee Smith said, and encouraged the board to let counsel review final wording after the board chooses language.
Members cited recent town‑meeting history and post‑meeting social‑media exchanges as context. Lisa said she was concerned about Select Board members posting about colleagues on social media and urged civility; Charlie and others said the policy aims to promote transparency and discourage secretive actions that undermine public trust.
After discussion, the board approved the MIIA‑based redline with a provision for final town‑counsel review. The policy applies to Select Board members and is intended to be aspirational: it lists expected standards and recommended behavior; it does not create a new disciplinary regime.
What’s next: Town counsel will review the exact adopted text and return a final version for the town’s records. The Select Board’s policy subcommittee will consider further operational guidance, including whether to draft a separate social‑media handbook or general goals and standards document.
