Ethics Commission

Meeting

  • When needed

Members

  • Michael Wheatley
    Term Expires: September 1, 2026
  • Kisha Petticolas - (Alternate)
    Term Expires: September 1, 2023
  • Dr. Theresa Stafford
    Term Expires: September 1, 2023
  • Katie Day
    Term Expires: September 1, 2025

Ethics Ordinance

A new Ethics Ordinance was adopted by the City of Cambridge Mayor and Council in October 2011.
Ordinance #1017 (PDF)

Additional Information

The Cambridge Ethics Commission was established to address issues raised under the Cambridge Ethics Code that was changed significantly in 2011. There are 3 members and 1 alternative member of the Commission who are appointed by City Council. The Ethics Commission hears and decides complaints filed by individuals against an elected or appointed city official or a member of city staff that asserts a violation of the city ethics code. The Commission also provides Advisory Opinions that can be public or private depending on the request made by an individual.

Sessions

The Commission meets as needed in closed session due to the nature of the work it does and the decisions it is called upon to make. It also holds periodic public sessions to provide training to city officials and staff and to inform the public about its work and how the public can seek implementation of the different aspects of the Cambridge Ethics Code.

Commission Advisory Opinions

Policies & Procedures

  1. Summary of Policies and Procedures (PDF)

Charter Amendments

  1. 01-2015 City Manager - Legal and Timely Manner (PDF)

Conflict of Interest

  1. 01-2012 Recusal - Business Relationship (PDF)
  2. 01-2013 Recusal - Public Officials on Corporate Boards or as Officers (PDF)
  3. 01-2014 Recusal - Vote Allowed as City Commissioner (PDF)
  4. 01-2015 Husbands Uncle (PDF)
  5. 02-2012 Recusal - Spouses Employment (PDF)
  1. 03-2013 Family Member Involvement with Group Seeking City Board Action (PDF)
  2. 05-2013 Qualified Relatives and Family Members Seeing Political Office (PDF)
  3. 06-2012 Recusal - Employer as Landlord (PDF)
  4. 06-2013 Defining a Financial Interest (PDF)
  5. 07-2013 City Council Liaison to Boards and Commissions (PDF)

Financial Disclosure

  1. 03-2012 Real Estate Owned by LLC (PDF)

Forms

  1. Complaint Form (PDF)
  2. Request to Review Ethics Form (PDF)
  1. Request for Advisory Opinion Form (PDF)

Jurisdiction of Ethics Commission

  1. 04-2013 1st Amendment Right of Free Speech (PDF)
  1. 08-2013 No Jurisdiction over Unnoticed Meetings (PDF)

Post Employment Restrictions

  1. 02-2013 Definition of Next Regular Sesson of Section 4g2 (PDF)

Prestige of Office

  1. 05-2012 Exception - Usual Constituant Services - Possible Fundraising Concerns (PDF)
These forms and all Ethics Commission Forms are also available at:
City Administration Building
Office of the City Clerk
410 Academy Street
Cambridge, MD