GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
BOARD OF ETHICS AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Office of Government Ethics
Darrin P. Sobin, Director
Tonya O. Condell, Attorney
Volume 2
Issue 5
July 2015
Ethically Speaking
The BEGA/OGE Newsletter
BEGA Happenings –
- BEGA Submitted a New Comprehensive Code of Conduct to the Council of the District of Columbia for Approval on June 12, 2015
On June 12, 2015, BEGA submitted to the DC Council a proposed bill to adopt as law, entitled the Comprehensive Code of Conduct of the District of Columbia Establishment and BEGA Amendment Act of 2015 (“CCC”). The CCC, a measure to codify all of the District’s ethics laws into one body of law, is a new ethics code that will be applicable to all employees and elected officials of the District of Columbia. [New CCC]
The CCC addresses, in detail, subjects such as gifts to government officials by outside sources, regulation of Lobbyists, appropriate constituent services by elected officials and revolving door restrictions on post-government employment. A hearing will be held before the Council’s Judiciary Committee on July 8, 2015.
Enforcement Matters:
A DC Board Member entered into a Negotiated Disposition, agreeing to be publically censured for DPM violations involving misuse of her public office: View Details
An OSSE employee entered into a Negotiated Disposition, agreeing to pay a fine of $1800 for a Code of Conduct violation involving use of her official position for personal financial gain: View Details
Upcoming Events –
July 9, 2015 – BEGA Monthly Board Meeting - 441 4th St. NW, Suite 540 South
July 14, 2015 – Monthly Ethics Training - 441 4th St. NW, Suite 540 South (Enroll Through PeopleSoft)
July 15, 2015 – Ethics and Boards & Commissions Training – 441 4th St. NW, Conference Room 1114
Ethics In the News –
Federal Ethics Panel to Continue Probe of 2013 Azerbaijan Trip [Read More]
National Weather Service Official Raise Questions Regarding Revolving-Door Rules [Read More]
Former Aide to Governor Chris Christie Fired for Ethics Breach [Read More]
Frederick County Ethics Task Force Recommends More Transparency [Read More]
US Postal Service Take Steps To Fire Man Who Landed Gyrocopter on US Capitol Lawn [Read More]
Good to Know – Protect and Conserve
Longer days and shorter nights mean summer is finally upon us. Tempted as you may be, remember you cannot use an agency’s fleet car to run personal errands, drive to and from happy hour, etc. DPM § 1800.3 (i) states: “Employees shall protect and conserve government property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.”
BEGA Welcomes the 2015 Summer Youth Employees – Good Luck!
If you have any questions, we can be reached at 202-481-3411, or through our website at www.bega-dc.gov