Stratford city council members were introduced to the city’s new integrity commissioner, David Boghosian.
Boghosian has been practiced law for more than 30 years, predominately municipal law and has been an integrity commissioner for more than five years, now acting in this role for 14 municipalities.
The hour-long presentation from Boghosian Monday night provided an education session on the city’s code of conduct and its Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
“But I think it’s good for the public to hear and appreciate the role of the integrity commissioner, and also the terms and provisions of the code of conduct that you are all governed by.”
There are four mandatory sections of every municipal code of conduct: gifts, benefits and hospitality; respectful conduct; governing nondisclosure of confidential information; and use of property.
Boghosian explained that codes of conduct differ from one municipality to the next, some more extensive and some very “bare bones”.
He expressed that Stratford is on the “more detailed side of things” and it “covers more than typical codes of conduct”, which is a “good thing” from his perspective.
He also touched on conflicts of interest, both direct and indirect, which need to be declared by council members prior to votes, decisions, or actions.
Boghosian said he and his office are always available to council members seeking advice.
