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Sandown selectmen begin update of town ethics policy, flag social media and training gaps
Summary
During its April 6 meeting the Port of Slickman began a review of the town ethics policy, with Town Administrator Lynn Blaisdell noting language added in 2010 undercut training provisions; department heads urged clearer social-media guidance and expanded conflict-of-interest language.
At the April 6 Port of Slickman meeting in Sandown, Town Administrator Lynn Blaisdell opened an item to review and update the town's ethics policy, saying she had solicited sample policies from other municipalities and found the town's existing language unclear in places.
Blaisdell summarized the policy's history: an ethics committee drafted the original policy around 2007–2008 and it was accepted in January 2008. She said a 2010 warrant article changed implementation by requiring distribution and sign-off rather than a formal training program, which left references to a training course in the policy inconsistent with practice.
Blaisdell reported department-head feedback: Chief Gordon suggested adding guidance on social media use to avoid undermining town or staff integrity; a second department head, Jason Chu, recommended expanding the conflict-of-interest language beyond spouse or dependent to include other family members, friends, business partners or coworkers. Blaisdell said she did not want to produce a lengthy legal document but sought clearer, concise language and recommended circulating drafts to the New Hampshire Municipal Association or town attorneys before finalizing changes.
The board agreed the policy should be clearer and that Blaisdell would gather additional examples from other towns and provide a revised draft at a future meeting. No policy changes were adopted at the April 6 meeting; members asked for additional input before taking formal action.
