Code of Ethics

We rely on the input and participation of many members, other local governments, entities and agencies in our decision making. The diverse background and experience of Transportation Policy Committee and Commission members may cause, from time to time, conflicting and competing interests to exist within the context of that decision-making process. To continue to ensure the integrity of this process, it is imperative that decisions made by MORPC be free of any undue influence, conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety by all participants in the decision-making process, whether at the Commission, committee, staff or volunteer level. Members, committee members and employees of MORPC are subject to the Ohio Ethics Law and related statutes. It is necessary for members, employees and committee members to be aware of and abide by the prescribed code outlined in Resolution 45-94, which is listed below.

By Section

  1. That no member, committee member or employee of the Commission shall receive or agree to receive directly or indirectly, compensation, anything of value or the promise of anything of value other than from the Commission or the governmental unit which they serve and represent on the Commission, which compensation or thing or value is of such character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon them with respect to their duties.
  1. That no member, committee member or employee of the Commission shall authorize, or employ the authority or influence of their office to secure authorization of any public contract in which they, a member of their family, or any of their business associates has an interest.
  2. During their term of office or within one year thereafter, occupy any position of profit in the prosecution of a public contract authorized by them or by the Commission, of which they are a member at the time of authorization, unless the contract was let by competitive bidding to the lowest and best bidder.
  3. Have an interest in the profits or benefits of a public contract entered into by or for the use of the Commission.
  4. Have an interest in the profits or benefits of a public contract that is not let by competitive bidding when required by law, and that involves more than $150 dollars.
  5. Authorize or employ the authority or influence of their office to secure the investment of public funds in any share, bond, mortgage or other security, with respect to which they, a member of their family, or any of their business associates either has an interest, is an underwriter, or receives any brokerage, organization or servicing fees.
That no member, committee member or employee of the Commission shall take part in discussion, vote or use the authority or influence of their office on any case, proceeding, application or other matter which comes before the Commission in which they, a member of their family, any of their private business associates, or any private entity of which they are an owner or agent, has a definite and direct fiduciary or pecuniary interest which conflicts with the duties of the member.
That no present or former member, committee member or employee of the Commission shall represent a client, or act in a representative capacity, or any matter before the Commission or any other government agency in which they have personally participated while an officer or employee of the Commission. This prohibition will apply during Commission service and for one year thereafter.
That if it appears that a member, committee member or employee of the Commission has violated or is about to violate this resolution, the chair of the Commission or any committee thereof, upon being apprised of the violation or potential violation shall rule that the member, committee member or employee in violation or about to be in violation is out of order and may not participate in vote, recommendation or discussion. If such violation has already occurred, the chair may take the matter up for reconsideration if such violation has had an effect on the recommendation or decision of the staff or any committee or the Commission.
That if a complaint is made to the Commission against a member, committee member or employee, the Commission shall give to the person against whom the complaint is made 10 days written notice of such complaint and direct the complaint to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall seek advice from counsel on whether the member, committee member or employee has a conflict of interest and should abstain from any vote or recommendation. If necessary, the matter will be referred to the Ohio Ethics Commission or the appropriate prosecuting attorney for an advisory opinion or investigation.

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