12/13/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Bird believed there are areas that need reconsideration by the Board. In his opinion, employees and elected officials are all public servants, but as such are not required to live in a cocoon or sterile environment, unable to mix socially or take advantage of opportunities available to other county residents. He asked that the ordinance be readdressed. Commissioner Macht felt that acceptance of awards was not prohibited by the ordinance and that discounts to theme parks should not be prohibited, since they were given to almost every group. Commissioner Bird said the list had been compiled by the County Attorney's office at his request. Commissioner Macht declared there was no question about the Dodger organization's integrity, but believed an all -expense paid trip to the Marlin's baseball game was worth,a lot of money and was not available to everyone. He felt that was questionable and did not fill any particular governmental function. Commissioner Bird maintained that most invitations to events were only ceremonial, that public officials were invited and expected to attend many functions to represent their constituents or the community. Commissioner Adams believed the Marlin game trip was not of great consequence, that some of the events they were invited to was only because they are elected and were obliged to be available to the people. She declared she had a little problem with the golf outing, but would not if all county employees were invited. The first outing was a thank you, which was great, but now it has become an annual event, and perhaps was demoralizing to other county employees who were not invited. Commissioner Macht agreed with Commissioner Adams on the golf outing and would have no problem if it was opened to all employees. Chairman Tippin advised that Commissioner Eggert had sent a letter saying she has no problem with #1, #4, and #5. She felt that #2 needed special consideration and added that Indian River Shores does not participate in the County's EMS district, but she believed it could be considered a unique situation. She has concern about the Marlin games invitations. Chairman Tippin did not agree that ethics needed to be put in a book. He believed that common sense should be the guide. He believed that cheaters would cheat and the honest would stay honest. He deemed it important to have the business community 57 December 13, 1994 BOOK PALL 1