Statewide Officials Call on Legislature to Create Code of Ethics

February 10 2020

Senator Jeanette White, Chair Senate Committee on Government Operations
Representative Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Chair House Committee on Government Operations

Dear Senator White and Representative Copeland Hanzas,

As Vermont’s statewide elected officials, we ask you – the chairs of the legislative committees responsible for oversight and conduct of state government – to continue your good work this legislative session toward a Code of Ethics for public servants that is backed by the force of law.

Vermont’s elected leaders must provide a check and balance because public servants’ intents and the public good are sometimes at odds with each other.

As you know, in our public service, we must account for and address issues such as: conflicts of interest, preferential treatment, abuses of power, outside gifts, and protections for whistleblowers. A Code of Ethics embedded in Vermont law will provide public servants with direction and clarity on numerous issues they regularly face.

In 2017, the Legislature and Governor created the State Ethics Commission. We ask that you take the next legislative step and work with the Ethics Commission and others to establish a Code of Ethics for Vermont’s public servants in all three branches of government.

Governor Phil Scott
Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman
Treasurer Beth Pearce
Secretary of State Jim Condos
Auditor Doug Hoffer
Attorney General TJ Donovan

View the Signed Version of the Letter