Examining the Ethical Implications of Public Service Roles: A Call for Trust and Due Process

I suppose one could argue that serving on a school board (my district) as a homeschooler could have ethical implications. I suppose one could argue that notarizing a document for a close friend could have ethical implications (I have). I suppose that being a marriage officiant and officiating the wedding ceremony of a family member could have ethical implications (I have). I suppose that being a school board member who questions the potential ethics of a planning commission member and/or town council member could have ethical implications.

A list of potential ethical implications can be extended across a wide range of topics/issues/areas. That is why we have conflict of interest laws. If someone believes there to be violations, they need only make a formal complaint and request an investigation. As it stands, I believe we need to give any benefit of the doubt (I don’t have one) to the individual we have elected. If someone doesn’t agree with that premise, take the individual off your Christmas Card list.

Richard Kurzenknabe
Front Royal, VA

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