Code of conduct could come to Emmitsburg

Laura Dukes
Frederick News-Post

(11/3) The Board of Commissioners may adopt a code of conduct as presented at its meeting Monday evening.

The code, which is supported by Mayor Donald Briggs, includes language about not using electronic devices, not raising voices, not interrupting others and providing rationale behind voting decisions, if asked. It would apply to commissioners as well as town staff.

Town Commissioners President Tim O'Donnell said he felt uneasy about some aspects of the code, particularly when it came to self-expression.

"Part of the reason we're here is, we're so passionate," O'Donnell said. "I feel like we're putting real limiters here."

The portion about providing rationale on voting decisions also concerned O'Donnell, who said sometimes silence can be just as powerful.

Briggs said he felt the code's language was necessary since party politics had created some tension among town commissioners in the past.

"I just want some protection for you all," Briggs said. "If you're going to run for office here, you're going to be polite."

The commissioners agreed to look the code over in more detail and discuss it at its next meeting, Nov. 17. Most local municipalities have similar codes, according to Town Manager Dave Haller, who said this one was taken directly from Brunswick.