Conflict of Interest Seminar

Saugus is sponsoring an educational seminar explaining the State's conflict of interest law. The seminar is being conducted by Carol Carson, Chief, Communications and Public Education Division of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission. The Commission enforces the State's conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws. The conflict of interest law, G.L. c.268A, covers what municipal officials and employees may do on the job, after hours, and after they leave government service. The seminar explains how to avoid potential conflicts that may arise between their private interests and public positions. The goal of the seminar is to provide a basic understanding of the principles of the law and how to comply with them by discussing "real life" situations and conflicts that may arise on the job. Some topics covered at the seminar will include restrictions on receiving gifts, outside employment, contracting with the Town, acting on matters in which family members and business associates have a financial interest, and leaving municipal government to work for companies that have business with the same town.