County Seeks Candidates for Ethics Board
Opportunity to Review Complaints, Render Decisions
Monticello, NY – The Sullivan County Legislature and County Manager’s Office invite Sullivan County residents to consider serving on the County’s Board of Ethics.
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a resume (or a list of experiences they deem applicable) to the Sullivan County Manager’s Office, c/o Rosemarie Savaglio, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701 or rosemarie.savaglio@sullivanny.us. Questions can be answered via that email or by calling 845-807-0450.
What Is the Ethics Board?
The Board of Ethics consists of five volunteer members appointed by the County Manager and confirmed by the Legislature. It meets at least once annually and any time there is a complaint alleging a violation of the County’s Ethics Law. Meetings are not open to the public, unless requested by the accused or required by law.
What Does It Do?
The Board has the following powers and duties:
To prescribe and promulgate rules and regulations governing its own internal organization and procedures in a manner consistent with the Ethics Law
To review the list of County officials and employees required to file financial disclosure statements
To review financial disclosure statements that are the subject of a written inquiry or complaint, and notify the subject of that complaint if a deficiency or potential violation is found
To investigate any alleged impropriety and recommend or undertake appropriate actions and proceedings, as required
To review the filing of waivers or extensions of time to file financial disclosure statements
To render, index and maintain on file advisory opinions
To prepare an annual report that summarizes the activities of the previous year and recommends any changes to the Ethics Law
To maintain records of its reports, proceedings and recommendations for seven (7) years, segregating any records deemed “confidential” to maintain their confidentiality
What Do I Need to Know to Apply?
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and current residents of Sullivan County. They should be willing to serve the entire three-year term of office. They will be interviewed by County Manager Joshua Potosek, who has authority and discretion to determine all appointments to the board, subject to the Legislature’s agreement.
No specific professional or personal experience is required. The County seeks people of good conscience to serve on the Ethics Board. Candidates should be fair-minded, level-headed and aligned with the concept of ethical conduct in government operations.
Required training in how to conduct investigations will be provided.
How Do I Learn More?
For more information on the Board of Ethics and the full text of the County’s Ethics Law, visit https://sullivanny.us/Departments/Legislature/Ethics-Committee or call the Legislature Office at 845-807-0435.