Public service is about that: service. There are a variety
of laws designed to prevent public servants from using their
office for personal financial gain.
This section offers resources to help local officials and others
understand those laws.
On April 25, 2013, the Fair Political Practices Commission
(FPPC) adopted amendments the the conflict of interest
regulations, including the 8-step conflict of interest analysis.
This article discusses the difference between an official being
legally disqualified from participating in a decision
and making the voluntary decision to abstain from
participating.
This article explains the application of the Fair Political
Practices Commission’s eight-step process for determining whether
a public official may not participate in a decision because of
the potential effects of that decision on property the official
owns.
The United States Supreme Court has rejected a First Amendment
challenge to the application of Nevada’s conflict of interest
law. See Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Carrigan,
___ U.S. ___ (June 13, 2011).
A court of appeal has upheld a $22 million verdict in a contract
dispute involving the City of Compton. The city had terminated a
solid waste franchise (a form of contract); the franchisee sued
for breach of contract.
The City Managers Department of the League of California Cities
and County Administrative Officers Association of California have
adopted guidelines for determining chief executive compensation
for local agencies.
