1. Conflict of Interest TrainingHappy County
Dwane Brinson,Annie Francis, Kendra Jensen, Amanda Kaufman, Jonathan Yeomans

2. What is a Conflict of Interest
Significant and pervasive financial, familial or personal interest, which poses an impermissible conflict with the relevant public interest that he or she has a duty to protect
3. Why is this important?
To ensure equitable and fair treatment
If ignored, it undermines public trust
Legal ramifications
4. NC State Ethics Act
Chapter 138A:
Public disclosure of economic interests
Use of public position for private gain
State policy regarding acceptance of gift
5. Road to Ethical Decision Making
High road
Low road
Hybrid
6. Happy County Values
Independent, impartial and responsible to the people
Decisions made in context
Public office not be used for personal gain
Public have confidence in integrity of its government
7. SCENARIOS
8. Scenario 1
An elected official sits on an occupational licensing board. She recently applied for a business permit to open her own woodworking shop and her application is slated for review in the December meeting. Can she participate in the decision about her business application? What should she do?
9. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
10. ANSWER
She should recuse herself from the decision. Her presence on the board constitutes a potential conflict of interest.
However, she can still participate in the licensing of other persons in the same industry, so long as she has no financial or personal relationship with the applicant.
11. Scenario 2
An outspoken member of PETA gets elected to Happy County Council. Now that the councilman serves the public in two capacities, must he stop working with the advocacy organization?
12. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
13. ANSWER
Not necessarily. Public officials elected or otherwise arent required to leave advocacy organizations once they are elected or hired.
However, significant involvement can give rise to an actual conflict of interest. The official must weigh this risk and exercise caution so their involvement does not cause a conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof.
14. Scenario 3
A Happy County inspector fails an addition a resident built on their house. The resident offers the inspector $50 to let a few things slide. What should the inspector do?
15. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
16. ANSWER
Reject the offer. Under the NC State Ethics law, a public employee may not accept anything of value that may influence that employees duties.
17. Scenario 4
The Happy County Board of Commissioners is considering buying land. They ask the manager for a detailed report about potential parcels. The managers father owns one of the parcels the commissioners are considering purchasing, and the manager considers skewing the report so his fathers parcel is the most attractive option. Is this OK?
18. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
19. ANSWER
No. Under state ethics law, a public employee may not use their public position for private gain, if the gain would benefit that employee, their family or their business interests.The manager must disclose this information to the commissioners.
20. Scenario 5
Similarly, a Happy County Commissioner owns part of a piece of land that the commissioners are considering selling. Does the commissioner have to disclose this information? Can they participate in the decision?
21. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
22. ANSWER
Yes, they must disclose the information to the elected board, and then must recusethemselves from the decision.
23. Manifestations
24. 25. Conclusion