Civic-minded residents invited to apply for appointment to King County Board of Ethics

Applications due Wednesday, March 28

King County residents with an interest in law and ethics are invited to apply for an open position on the King County Board of Ethics. The appointee will serve a three-year term on the five-member citizen advisory board.

The Board of Ethics provides guidance on whether an action or interest is allowable under the King County Code of Ethics. The board also supports the county policy that the private conduct and financial dealings of public officials and employees shall present no actual or apparent conflict of interest between the public trust and private interests.

The Board of Ethics oversees the administration of two transparency programs requiring financial disclosure by elected officials, designated employees, and board and commission members, as well as disclosure by consultants doing business with King County. The board is also responsible for interpreting the ethics code through advisory opinions and hearing appeals on orders of the Ombudsman.

Primary criteria for board member candidates are balanced judgment, integrity, and professional training or experience that would ensure the ability to deal with complex and sensitive ethics issues. The successful candidate will be selected by the County Executive and candidates may be interviewed. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, persons of color, and those who reside outside the City of Seattle are encouraged to apply.

If selected, the new board member can expect to spend approximately four hours per month on board business. Meetings are normally on the third Monday of each month. Members may be reappointed at the end of their term.

To be considered for this appointment, send a letter of interest and resume via email or mail to Kelli Williams, Administrator, King County Board of Ethics, 401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 135, Seattle, WA 98104. All application materials must be received by March 28, 2012. Interested parties must attend a one-hour informational interview at the board’s next meeting on April 16, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. in the King County Chinook Building to be considered for the position.

For more information about the King County Board of Ethics, contact Administrator Kelli Williams at 206-296-1586, via email or visit the Board of Ethics website.