Chester council passes first reading of stricter Code of Ethics with monthly disclosures

The City of Chester City Council on March 25 approved the first reading of an ordinance that would create a new Code of Ethics requiring more frequent and detailed disclosures from elected officials and employees. Councilors voted to advance Bill 1 on a voice roll call after a period of public comment and endorsements.

Vijay Kapoor, the city receiver, urged passage and described the ordinance as setting the city “up to a higher standard” than state law, praising the council’s transparency measures and urging the body to adopt the policy. “What you are doing with this ethics policy is you are holding yourselves to a higher standard than just about any other municipality in the commonwealth,” Kapoor said.

Council members who spoke in favor called the measure long-awaited and said the city has worked through multiple drafts. The mayor summarized key provisions during debate, saying the ordinance expands gift-disclosure rules: “We’re taking what the state is requiring as far as the gift provisions and putting it on steroids,” the mayor said, adding that elected officials will provide more frequent financial disclosure.

The ordinance, read into the record by the clerk as Bill 1 (new Article 149), passed its first reading with recorded affirmative responses from the council. Under the city’s legislative process the measure will return for a second reading and final vote before becoming law. Council members and staff indicated they expect additional public review and that details of the final code will be made available to residents ahead of final adoption.

The council’s action follows extensive internal review and public discussion; supporters said the measure is intended to restore public trust. The ordinance text and a schedule for the second reading were not included on the record at the March 25 meeting and will be posted as provided by the clerk prior to the next council session.