Byrnes Supports and Adopts Democratic Ethics Plan: Will Implement Reforms as a Freeholder

September 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


FREEHOLD, NJ – Today, Democratic Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder Sean F. Byrnes issued a statement of support for the ethics plan laid our by Democratic Freeholder John D’Amico at today’s Freeholder meeting:

“The people must have trust in their government,” said Byrnes, “This plan for ethics reform goes a long way to restoring that public trust. I look forward to helping to implement these plans next year if I’m elected Freeholder.”

The Democratic Ethics Plan call for numerous reforms including:
1. The creation and implementation of a Monmouth County Code of Ethics to address:

a. Conflicts of interest
b. Activity that gives the appearance of impropriety
c. Gifts
d. Disclosure and Disqualification
e. Lobbying of local officials
f. Procurement process
g. Permanent Ethics Board or Commission
h. Incompatible employment
i. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential county information
j. Private use of county property
k. Representation of third parties against the county
l. Nepotism
m. Restrictions on employees or officials after they leave county service
n. Penalties
o. Ethics education
p. Financial disclosures

2. The establishment of a Monmouth County Ethics Board to:

a. Receive complaints and hold hearings as to violations of the code or financial disclosure requirements
b. Issue subpoenas
c. Forward appropriate information to law enforcement authorities
d. Render Advisory Opinions as to facts and circumstances that would or would not constitute a violation of any provisions of the County Code of Financial Disclosure requirements
e. Enforce the Code and to impose or recommend penalties for violations
f. Adopt necessary rules and regulations necessary to implement the code

“These fundamental changes in the way the County does business are sorely needed after 23 years of one-party rule,” said Byrnes. “This is just one step in the process of reforming county government after decades of complacency on the issue of ethics.”