§ 2-451.1. Intent and Construction.

(a)

Intent. The intent of the Board in adopting a Local Code of Ethics is to ensure that County officers and employees observe in all official acts the highest standards of ethics regardless of personal consideration; recognize that promoting the public interest and maintaining the respect and trust of the people in their government must be of foremost concern; and hold each County officer and employee accountable to the community in providing service in accordance with the highest standards of performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Furthermore, the intent of the Board in adopting a Local Code of Ethics is not to impose additional regulation relating to standards of conduct and disclosure so as to impede unreasonably or unnecessarily the recruitment and retention by government of those best qualified to serve but to allow County officials and employees the opportunity available to other citizens to acquire and retain private economic interests as long as the private economic interests do not conflict with the responsibility of such officials to the public.

(b)

Construction. This ordinance shall be broadly construed to effect its purpose of ensuring an ethical government for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Orange County while encouraging participation in government by those best qualified to serve.

(Ord. No. 2011-09 , § 1, 6-28-11)