Monroe City Council confirmed Mayor Geoffrey Thomas' appointment of Paul Graf to the Monroe Ethics Board on Tuesday, Sept. 16, during the regular business meeting of the Monroe City Council.
Graf was selected to fill the vacancy left by James Donner, who vacated the position in July. Graf will fulfil the remainder of Donner's term, which expires in December of 2015.
The Ethics Board is primarily responsible for investigating allegations of ethical violations, or conflict of interest, against city officials. Should an allegation occur, the board would investigate the claim, conducts hearings and develop an advisory opinion to help guide final outcome.
The board also reviews the city's ethics policy and recommends periodic updates. The last update occurred in December, 2013, when Monroe City Council passed an ordinance to adopt the ethical standards governing the conduct of municipal officers outlined in Washington State RCW 42.23 as Monroe's city code.
Several portions of the code, which were initiated by citizen petition in 2004, were re-codified and retained in Monroe Municipal Code sections 2.25.030, 2.52.040, 2.52.050 and 2.52.060. These sections pertain to the award of contracts and the handling of ethics complaints. Additionally, they define a provision which stipulates that the city's hearing examiner can fulfill the function of the Board of Ethics if and when a quorum is unavailable.
Graf applied for the position in August and was subsequently interviewed by Mayor Thomas. He stated on his application that he was interested in making a contribution to the city of Monroe.
"I have a passion for civic responsibility and serving my community,GÇ¥ wrote Graf.
Graf was sworn in by Monroe City Clerk Elizabeth Smoot and congratulated by Mayor Thomas.
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