2/28/2005
Robert S. Weiner Introduces Legislation to Improve Financial Reporting by County Legislators

(Wilmington, Delaware)—“County Council believes that more detailed financial disclosures about the financial interests of government officials will increase public confidence in the integrity of government and deter potential conflicts of interest” said County Councilman Robert S. Weiner.”. “I will introduce legislation that will amend the New Castle County Code Chapter 2, the Code of Ethics that will allow the Ethics Commission to charge a former official or county employee with violation the Ethics Code by including new language as follows: “Upon complaint signed under penalty of perjury by any person or upon its own motion, the Ethics Commission shall, through its Ethics Counsel, conduct a preliminary inquiry into any alleged violation of this Division and Division 2.03.100 of this Chapter. In the case of any former official or employee, the Commission may initiate a preliminary inquiry within three years following termination of office or employment. Even if a person leaves, quits or is fired, the Ethics Commission can still charge them with violating the Ethics Code.

“I will also amend the code regarding financial disclosure by expanding the definitions of “honoraria” and “source” prohibiting County officials or employees from taking the oath of office or continuing with their duties unless they file a statement of financial interest as required by this legislation ” Weiner added.

“I have worked closely with the New Castle County Ethics Commission to craft these changes”, Weiner added. Both he and the Commission believe that these changes will assist Council in its goal to improve the Ethics Code by increasing the public’s ability to scrutinize governmental relationships.

This legislation is slated for introduction at New Castle County Council on March 8, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

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