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Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
“Revolving door” policies are in place in the following jurisdictions: • United States Federal Government • The State of California • Numerous counties in California including Alameda, Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Solano, and Riverside • Various cities and Special Districts in California.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should adopt a written policy restricting the ability of county officers and employees to conduct business with any former officer or employee for a period of one year after leaving county employ. Such a policy should be drafted to prohibit dealings that represent a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest without restricting the individual’s ability to pursue legitimate business interests. Required Responses to Findings None Required Responses to Recommendation Board of Supervisors: R1
F2
While varying in time limitations (one year, two years, etc.) these policies, having the force of law, all restrict dealings with former officers and employees.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Carefully constructed policies can prohibit activities that represent conflict of interest without broadly restricting the ex-officer’s or ex-employee’s ability to engage in his/her trade or profession.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should adopt a written policy prohibiting county officers and employees from conducting business with any former officer or employee for a period of one year after leaving the county’s employ (the so- called “Revolving Door” policy). The Supervisor’s response to this recommendation was: “The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. A ‘revolving door policy’ is an unduly burdensome restraint on an individual’s ability to engage in his/her trade or business upon leaving county employment.” Investigative Procedures The 2002-2003 Grand Jury: 1. Conducted a survey of the 58 counties of California to determine how many counties have some type of “revolving door” policy. 2. Reviewed the State of California policy defined in Government Code 87406. 3. Interviewed County Counsel.
F4
The Board’s contention that such policies are “not reasonable” or are “unduly burdensome” is not supported by the fact that such policies are the law and custom in numerous and widespread jurisdictions. Conclusions The Grand Jury believes that a “revolving door” policy can significantly reduce actual or perceived conflict of interest, and enhance citizens’ confidence in the actions of government. The Grand Jury has no intention of suggesting a policy that would “unduly interfere with one’s trade or business”, but believes that the Board of Supervisors, working with County Counsel and using other jurisdiction’s policies as models, can draft a policy that prohibits dealings that represent a conflict of interest without interfering with an individual’s right to pursue legitimate business interests.
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 2The Grand Jury believes that a “revolving door” policy can significantly reduce actual or perceived conflict of interest, and enhance citizens’ confidence in the actions of government. The Grand Jury has no intention of suggesting a policy that would “unduly interfere with one’s trade or business”, but believes that the Board of Supervisors, working with County Counsel and using other jurisdiction’s policies as models, can draft a policy that prohibits dealings that represent a conflict of interest without interfering with an individual’s right to pursue legitimate business interests.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office