Legislator Barnhart Introduces Ethics Reform

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has introduced long-stalled legislation to reform Monroe County’s Code of Ethics. The legislation is similar to a bill that did not pass last cycle, but adds some important measures.

The reforms proposed in this legislation would do the following:

  • Make sexual harassment conduct that is prohibited.
  • Require high-ranking officers to receive approval for outside employment.
  • Require officials to recuse themselves in writing from matters in which they have a conflict.
  • Close the revolving door of officers leaving County employment.
  • Prohibit candidates from putting their images on taxpayer-funded mailings and ads before elections.
  • Ban coercion of employees and use of County resources for political campaigns.

“It’s my hope that this legislation has bipartisan support to finally move forward. The provisions banning county resources for political campaigns are especially important as we begin an important election year,” said Legislator Barnhart. 

The Agenda Charter Committee will take up the proposal later this month.