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County ethics official urges officials to "ask" when unsure and explains advisory opinions
Summary
Gina Levesque of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics told Jupiter councilors the commission provides guidance and that advisory opinions provide protection if relied upon in good faith; she noted the commission can no longer self-initiate complaints under recent state law changes.
Gina Levesque, Intake and Compliance Manager and the council's liaison to the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics, gave the council an annual overview of the commission's role and resources.
Levesque framed the commission as a guidance and prevention body and emphasized early consultation: "If something causes you to pause, even briefly, that's the time to reach out." She explained that advisory opinions can shield officials who rely on them in good faith and flagged a statutory change that prevents the commission from self-initiating complaints.
Levesque encouraged officials to contact the commission via palmbeachcountyethics.com or (561) 355-1915 for informal guidance or formal opinions, and councilors acknowledged the value of the annual reminder and in-person liaison.
No action was taken; the presentation was received as informational and incorporated into the council's annual training obligations.
