Ethics: A Teachable Moment
As candidates for Borough Council, we wanted to share some thoughts on a topic that has recently sparked much conversation in our community—the introduction of the ethics ordinance at the last council meeting. This is a pivotal issue, and we believe it's one worth exploring together. We see this moment not just as a challenge but as an opportunity—a teachable moment.
Before diving into the merits of the ordinance, it’s essential that we are all on the same page as far as state vs. local ethics code. A bit of background can help frame why this conversation is so important.
In 1991, the state of New Jersey established the Local Government Ethics Law (LGEL), which sets standards for public officials to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparent decision-making. However, these guidelines are broad and implementing them at a local level requires more nuanced, community-specific oversight.
What are Municipal Ethics Boards and What Role Does State Law Play?
To fully appreciate the importance of an ethics board, it's helpful to understand what it is and how it works alongside the existing law (LGEL) in New Jersey.
A municipal ethics board is a local body dedicated to overseeing the ethical conduct of government officials and employees. The state law provides the foundational framework which aims to ensure that public officials act with integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain public trust. This law applies to almost everyone, from elected officials to appointed members of commissions to senior employees. It prohibits using public office for personal gain, mandates transparency through financial disclosures, and sets clear standards for ethical behavior in government.
Understanding the Purpose of the Point Beach Ethics Ordinance
Let’s start with the basics. The ethics ordinance introduced aims to establish one of these ethics boards for Point Pleasant Beach. This board would oversee the creation of a code of ethics and ensure our local government operates transparently, fairly, and with integrity. At its core, it would be established to rebuild trust between the government and its citizens—trust that every decision made is in the best interest of our community.
This ethics board would act as a localized extension of the principles established by LGEL. In practice, this means the board would handle complaints, investigate potential ethical violations, provide advisory opinions, and conduct ethics training to help everyone understand their responsibilities.
We want to take a moment to commend Councilman Michael Ramos for his commitment to ethical governance. His initiative to propose an ethics board shows a sincere dedication to transparency and accountability, values we can all support, regardless of our political affiliations.
The Importance of Preparation and Engagement
The recent council meeting demonstrated something important—something that can serve as a teachable moment for us all. While the introduction of the ethics ordinance was well-intentioned, the process left much to be desired. The proposal seemed rushed, and there wasn't enough time for thorough review and public input. This led to confusion and concern among council members and residents alike. However disconcerting the confusion, it was at least a familiar theme for the residents.
Here’s where we see an opportunity for growth. Instead of viewing this as a setback, let’s see it as a chance to improve how we introduce and discuss important initiatives in our town. Good governance isn’t just about passing ordinances, it’s about how we pass them. It’s about building consensus and ensuring transparency every step of the way.
Navigating Challenges with Strategic Planning
While the idea of establishing an ethics board is promising, it's important to approach this step with caution and care. Creating such a board involves careful planning and clear guidelines to ensure it operates fairly and effectively for our town. We must also be aware of the potential challenges, such as the risk of politicization or misuse, where the board could be perceived as a tool for political gain rather than a means to promote ethical behavior.
Additionally, we need to ensure that the board has adequate resources and independence to function without undue influence, and that its members are selected based on their integrity and commitment to the community, not political affiliations. By being aware of these cautions and addressing them proactively, we can build a robust ethics program that truly serves the best interests of Point Pleasant Beach.
This is a chance for us to reflect and grow as a community. Let’s take this opportunity to build a more connected and transparent Point Pleasant Beach. We believe it is possible to create a local government that truly represents and serves all of us.
With dedication to our community,
Maggie Doucette,
EJ Geiger, &
Cathy Sogorka
Team Beach For Point Beach Council