Orange has a strong reputation and healthy finances. We want to keep it that way. Strict ethical rules are part of how towns protect themselves.

 

The Code of Ethics prevents anyone who serves our town from using tax dollars, inside information, or their position for personal gain.

 

But our Code of Ethics has not been updated in over 20 years. 

 

A lot has changed since 2004. An update is overdue.

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Our concern comes from what's happening in nearby communities:

 

• West Haven: Employees used fake invoices to steal $1.2M in pandemic relief grant funds →

• Bethany: Officials failed to act on sexual assault of minors by an employee, leading to more victims →

• New Britain: Former mayor under FBI investigation for spending tax dollars on personal expenses →

• Ansonia: Investigating misuse of tax dollars by its former mayor →

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​In these cases, weak ethical rules let small problems become costly issues.

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​That’s why we’re calling for our Board of Selectmen to appoint an independent committee to update Orange's Code of Ethics. Clear and strict ethical rules protect everyone: residents, local businesses, town employees, and public officials. 

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Preventing problems takes work. 

That's what Orange deserves.