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LEAGUE OF <br />MINNESOTA <br />CITIES <br />INFORMATION MEMO <br />Official Conflict of Interest <br />Learn responsibilities of city officials to avoid prohibited personal or financial benefits in contracts, <br />which public offices may not be held simultaneously by the same person, need to disclose economic <br />interests, and limits on gifts. Links to a code of conduct and statement of values; contains <br />resolutions for contracting with an interested council member. <br />RELEVANT LINKS: <br />I. Ethical responsibilities of local office in <br />Minnesota <br />Most Minnesotans can run for and hold elected office at the federal, state, <br />or local level. Candidates are not required to pass a civics test, attend <br />mandatory trainings, obtain a particular degree or certification, or <br />otherwise demonstrate their fitness. Nevertheless, election or appointment <br />to public office may impact one's personal and professional life–perhaps <br />quite significantly. <br />Some of the most important regulations impacting local governments <br />address the ethical responsibilities of public office–laws that can apply to <br />both elected and appointed city officials. Such safeguards exist to: <br />• Ensure integrity in government. <br />• Protect the city's and/or the city residents' interests. <br />• Limit the opportunity for officials to benefit (personally or financially) <br />from public office. <br />Unfortunately, such regulations are also some of the most misunderstood. <br />City officials—particularly those new to their positions—need to be aware <br />of their responsibilities and the types of prohibited conduct. Various <br />regulations: <br />• Limit an official's ability to act independently. <br />• Provide the public access to the decision-making process. <br />• Prohibit public officials from accepting gifts. <br />• Prohibit conflicts of interest. <br />• Prohibit officials from holding incompatible offices. <br />• Require public officials to disclose conflicts or economic interests <br />when they do arise. <br />This memo examines the ethical responsibilities of local office in <br />Minnesota. <br />This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attomey for advice concerning specific situations. <br />145 University Ave. West <br />Saint Paul, MN 55103-2044 <br />www.lmc.org 10/17/2014 <br />(651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122 © 2014 All Rights Reserved <br />