Volunteers Needed To Serve On Howard County's Ethics Commission, Apply By March 8

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents have until March 8 to apply to serve on the county's ethics commission.

Comprised of five members, the ethics commission administers the Howard County Public Ethics Law with respect to all public officials, officers and employees. Some of the commission's major functions include rendering advisory opinions, receiving and reviewing financial disclosure statements, investigating complaints and receiving and reviewing lobbyist registration and activity reports, according to the county.

"Our system of representative government is dependent upon our residents maintaining the highest trust in their public officials and officers. Our ethics commission plays a vital role in ensuring this trust is maintained and that our officials and officers are upheld to the highest standards and maintain the highest ethical stance," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be a Howard County resident, be 18 years of age or older and be able to attend the board’s meetings, which are held on an as-needed basis in both open and closed session.

Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Ethics Commission” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the county executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.