The Board of Clallam County Commissioners finds and declares that public office is a public trust; that the proper operation of this trust requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial, and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government.

Accordingly, it is the purpose of this chapter to establish ethical standards of conduct for all officials and employees of the County, paid or unpaid; to set forth those acts that are incompatible with such standards; to require disclosure of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the County or affected by County action; and to provide effective means for enforcement thereof.

By establishing a code of ethics and providing for financial disclosure, this chapter should permit County government to better serve the needs and respond to the wishes of all citizens equally.

To effectuate this trust, the following provisions are adopted, and should be liberally construed.