Advisory Opinions

Advisory opinions:

Individuals covered by the ethics code may request informal or formal ethics advisory opinions from the the Commission on Ethics and Governmental Integrity .

The City’s Charter describes two eligible categories for such opinions:

• “Covered Persons”: defined as “officers and employees of the City of Naples, whether elected or appointed; the members, officers and employees of any boards, commissions, or committees appointed by the City of Naples; and third parties engaged in providing contract services either to or for the City of Naples; all such persons being Covered Persons whether paid or unpaid.”
• “Lobbyists”: defined as “any person who receives payment for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence legislative action or non-action through oral or written communication or an attempt to obtain the goodwill of a member or employee of the City of Naples.”

The Commission on Ethics and Governmental Integrity can provide informal and nonbinding advice to any Covered Person or Lobbyist. The Commission can also provide a formal advisory opinion regarding an ethical situation (Bylaws, Article V.B, and Rules of Procedure, Section B).

• Informal Consultations.  Any Covered Person or Lobbyist may request an informal consultation with the Executive Director regarding application of the Ethics Code to a particular situation.  The results of a consultation are not binding and will not be routinely published but will be maintained as required by law.  When the result of a consultation is published by the Ethics Commission, identifying information will be removed.
• Formal Advisory Opinions.  Any Covered Person or Lobbyist may request a formal advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission by submitting all relevant facts and requesting an opinion regarding a matter that is subject to the Ethics Code.  The opinion will be binding on the Ethics Commission and the requesting party based upon the facts submitted.  The opinion may be relied upon by others until amended or revoked. When the opinion is published by the Ethics Commission, identifying information will be removed unless the requesting party authorizes the identifying information to be included in the published opinion. 

Please contact the Executive Director for additional information.