Attendees learned about ethics in local government as part of the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance.
Moderator: The Honorable Todd Ireland, Commissioner, Vice President, Calvert County
Speaker: Todd Turner, Esq., Executive Director, Office of Ethics and Accountability, Prince Georges County
In any organization, trust is the foundation of effective leadership and citizen confidence. But trust isn’t built overnight, it requires ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability from all public officials and employees. Officials fill out the necessary financial disclosure forms and assume they have complied with the law. Todd Turner presented to a full room of county staff and elected officials that the responsibility does not end with filing the forms.
Ethics laws serve as a protective framework to:
- Prevent improper influence and the appearance of bias.
- Avoid conflicts of interest—real or perceived.
- Ensure impartial decision-making free from personal gain or external pressure.
- Mandate transparency by requiring public officials and employees to disclose their financial interests and meet clear ethical standards.
Ultimately, these laws are in place to reassure the public that government officials are working in the public interest—not for personal benefit.
In discussing conflicts of interest, Mr. Turner explained that these extend beyond just financial dealings and include:
- Holding secondary employment that conflicts with public duties
- Engaging in post-employment lobbying
- Accepting gifts that could influence decisions
- Misusing the prestige of office
- Using public resources for political gain
- Disclosing or using confidential information
- Lobbying or political activity that crosses ethical lines
- Violations in procurement processes
- Ex parte communications that sidestep public transparency
When officials operate transparently and accountably, the public gains confidence in government. And when ethical missteps occur, a strong ethics framework ensures there is recourse, correction, and prevention.
Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance are required to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Elective Courses
to earn their certificate through the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.
Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government leaders. It was founded by MACo and MML, is facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and is sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT).
Academy courses are open to ALL conference registrants (register online) – Academy Fellows must complete evaluation forms for each class to earn credit.
The session was on August 13th at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More About MACo’s Summer Conference: