By Melissa Johnston
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Melissa Johnston
We live in times where behaviors that just a few years ago would have been considered unacceptable are sometimes celebrated. But at the end of the day, treating people with respect, listening to different viewpoints, considering all the facts and acting with integrity are values we all share.
That’s why the standards held by those who serve us in public office and as government employees matter. We should expect, and require, the highest level of integrity from those entrusted to lead.
If you ask what makes a good local government, most people will point to high achieving schools, safe neighborhoods, reliable public services and responsible budgeting. All of those matter deeply. But they all depend on a value that is less visible but arguably more important: trust.
Residents trust elected officials to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly. They trust town employees to serve the public fairly. They trust boards and commissions to make decisions based on what is best for the community, not personal gain. That trust has to be earned and protected every day.
Across Connecticut, and in some of our nearby towns, we have seen how quickly that trust can be weakened when ethical rules are outdated, unclear or inconsistently applied. While the details vary, the outcome is often the same: public trust is damaged. That is why strict and consistently enforced ethical standards are so important in local government.
Recently, the Orange Democratic Town Committee Executive Board asked our Board of Selectmen to review Orange’s Code of Ethics, which has not been updated in more than 20 years. A lot has changed in how government operates and how residents engage with it. Our standards should reflect that reality. Every town official and employee should be able to rely on a clear, accessible set of guidelines that support good decision-making. Many communities regularly revisit and update their ethics policies, and even modest updates can make a meaningful difference.
Taking time to review ethics policies is not an admission that something is wrong. It is simply good governance. Just as we regularly review budgets, ordinances and long-term plans, it makes sense to revisit the standards that act as our guiding principles. Ethical rules are updated and reinforced regularly in the business community. Government should be no different.
In an era when trust in institutions is declining, ethical standards are an important reminder that public service is a responsibility, not a privilege. They set expectations, reinforce accountability and help ensure decisions about our tax dollars and town resources benefit our residents.
Of course, no ethics policy can prevent every mistake or challenge. But ethics should be part of the culture of public service. Clear standards protect the trust that effective government depends on.
I’ve said this in previous columns, but it’s worth repeating: one of the most important things we can do as residents and citizens is stay engaged and ask questions. When something does not seem right, speaking up is not only responsible; it is part of our civic duty.
To learn more about our request to update Orange’s Code of Ethics, visit OrangeCTDems.org/ethics.
I’d be happy to talk to anyone about my perspective. You can always email me at msmelissajohnston@gmail.com.
The Orange Democrats have a lot of exciting things coming up as we prepare to support candidates for state and national elections this fall who share our common values. We meet once a month at High Plains Community Center, and you can find out more about us and everything going on through our comprehensive email newsletter which you can sign up for at OrangeCTDems.org or by following us on Facebook or Instagram. We would always love to hear your perspective.
Melissa Johnston is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.