Шелбурн обновил этический кодекс для соответствия новым требованиям штата Вермонт

The Shelburne Selectboard has updated its ethics policy to better comply with the state’s new framework. At a July 14 selectboard meeting, Lee Suskin, a member of the town’s ethics committee, explained that Vermont has changed the framework of its ethics policy, and the town should do the same. Suskin and town moderator Tom Little wrote the original town’s ethics ordinance around 2009. It was updated in 2018 and 2024 after multiple events — including a locally infamous controversy over a Vermont Railway salt storage shed. The ordinance is focused on residents who volunteer on the quasi-judicial boards in town. These volunteers are not town employees but do have the authority to affect property, hold hearings and levy fees. Selectboard member Mike Ashooh said the most recent policy updates are to make Shelburne’s policy consistent with the state’s and give more clarity to residents about when there is a conflict of interest and how to deal with it. Ashooh said the selectboard commissioned a study from Vermont Legislative Research Services at the University of Vermont to gain more background and information on conflict-of-interest policies. “One thing we learned when we did the study is that most conflict-of-interest issues arise out of people not knowing better,” Ashooh said. He said he wants the new policy to be a system to educate and train town volunteers. Suskin said the new policy will be contained in one document “so it’s easy for everyone to read and understand and be ethical.” Suskin and town manager Matt Lawless said the rules were updated to comply with the state while keeping it as similar to the previous ordinance as possible. “It brings us into compliance with the state law but preserves as much of the original intent of the town’s ethics ordinance that preceded it,” Lawless said. The ordinance provides a standard code of ethics guiding municipalities on conflicts of interests, ethics violations, enforcement and protection. Selectboard member Chunka Mui was concerned with one part of the updated policy that he said seemed to restrict residents with municipal positions from providing town services. At the Aug. 11 selectboard meeting, a policy revision was added, clarifying that a volunteer serving on a committee can perform contracted work if there is no ethical conflict, fair competition for other companies and the volunteer does not significantly benefit. Chair Matthew Wormser supported the policy and the proposed updates. “It’s nice to see (the ethics policy) in place, but I would welcome it being taken to heart in places beyond our small town and state anyway,” he said. They’re here — the results of our annual 4393 Awards! Readers of our newspapers voted for their favorite restaurants, bars, ski shops, fitness pros, nonprofit organizations and so much more. We present this special section to our readers — both locals and visitors — and we hope you will enjoy it and refer to it throughout the year. Local news is important. It's the information that will directly impact your life because it’s going on around you, every day. Join our group of dedicated readers today ... Connect With VTCNG News, arts, events, community and more from the Vermont Community Newspaper Group. Sign Up For Our Newsletter Our free weekly newsletters deliver the latest headlines, upcoming events and local information — straight from the newsroom! Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Sign Up For Our Newsletter Our free weekly newsletters deliver the latest headlines, upcoming events and local information — straight from the newsroom! Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.