Page 57 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

POSITION OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTS
Ethical conduct of park, recreation and conservation agency boards
The issue
The officials who serve on the elected boards of park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies must conduct themselves and their business in a manner that complies with all applicable state laws. Beyond that, park, recreation and conservation agency boards should commit themselves to developing their own ethical standards that encourage civil conduct, respectful and thoughtful debate and consensus building for effective public policymaking.
Understanding and adhering to the letter of the law
Members who serve on the elected and appointed boards of park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies must understand and act in accordance with such applicable state laws as the Park District Code (70ILCS Par 1-1 et seq.), the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS par 120/1), the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS, Par. 140/1) and a host of other laws that prescribe the proper way for local governments to conduct public business.
Although the State Officials and Employees Act (P.A. 93-615) ostensibly addresses the ethical conduct of officers and employees of the executive and legislative branches of state government, Public Act 93-617 amended the State Officials and Employees Act to require that, by the spring of 2004, all units of local government adopt ethics ordinances or resolutions “in a manner no less restrictive” than those that govern the conduct of state officials. Ordinances and resolutions in keeping with the Act typically include prohibitions upon political activities by agency employees during work time and prohibitions upon soliciting or accepting gifts from people who have – or who may have – a business relationship (or some other stake) in the operation of the agency. Local ordinances and resolutions may also designate an agency ethics advisor, create an ethics commission or set out penalties for violating the ethics resolution or ordinance.
Board members can learn about their legally prescribed ethical responsibilities by consulting their agency counsel or the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ legal/legislative counsel. They should also take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. These include books on legal topics, seminars, workshops and individualized board trainings offered by the association.
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