The new code serves to clarify

and strengthen previously existing ethics regulations, to provide terms

and definitions, and to define the composition of the Ethics Board, among

other measures.

The new ethics code applies

not only to Fulton County Commissioners and employees, but also to Board

appointees (excluding advisory boards without decision-making authority),

contractual employees, and any consultant who is exclusively obligated

to the County for 90 days or more.

One key element of the new

code is the more specific prohibition of nepotism.� The code defines the

meaning of "immediate family," and provides specific guidelines

related to hiring and contracting matters that may involve family members.

The composition of the Fulton

County Ethics Board was revised to include members of the North Fulton

Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.

It also provides that the Ethics Board's Chair is to be elected from

among its members, rather than appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

Additional portions of the

code apply to issues of financial disclosures, gifts and favors/honoraria,

use of confidential information, and conflicts of interest.

"There is no ethical or

lawful way to benefit financially from public service. 'Public service'

means what it says � service," Darnell said.� "We would encourage

young people interested in government to be aware that the community will

no longer tolerate unethical conduct by public officials and employees."

To review or print the new

ethics code, or other related information, visit the District 5 Online

Office at: www.myfultoncountyga.us/emma, Commissioner Darnell's official

Web site.