Township Committee Assignments and Financial Disclosure Statements

 A previous blog, "A Code of Conduct for council committees and mayoral advisory groups" (12/13/16), highlighted the need for a "Code of Conduct" for all township committee and advisory group members to ensure that they are acting in a manner that is appropriate with regard to their committee or advisory group duties and responsibilities. 

 

One of the "Code of Conduct" recommendations is that all members of township committees and advisory groups submit a Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS).  

 

This recommendation has caused some concern since it is perceived as an invasion of privacy.  It is important to note that the FDS form does not require disclosure of personal financial information i.e. income earned. 

 

The FDS form merely asks for the names and addresses of all business organizations in which an interest is held; the names and addresses of each source of income, earned and unearned; and the addresses and a brief description of all real property in the State of New Jersey in which an interest is held.

 

The filing of a FDS is intended to ensure the public that all committee and advisory group members perform their duties and responsibilities in an ethical manner avoiding any possible conflicts of interest.