“DOING PUBLIC BUSINESS” (ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS AND DETERRING CORRUPTION)

          On Thursday, May 21, 2009, DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett will host a day-long training conference for elected and appointed public officials at the DuPage County Judicial Complex located at 503 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL. 

            “Public officials are entitled to the presumption that they will act with a sense of public duty and that they will commit no wrongful act,” stated Birkett.  “Unfortunately the last decade has proven that this presumption is frequently rebutted by evidence that officials have abused the public trust placed in them. Corruption and abuse of power in government service have long been with us and will continue to be a major societal concern.  However, through appropriate training, policy and practice, as well as improved supervision we can deter misconduct, reduce error, and avoid costly litigation.  This Conference is a continuation of my effort to increase the knowledge of elected and appointed officials in DuPage County and to guard against breaches of the public trust,” Birkett remarked.

            The training Conference is for elected and appointed public officials, as well as the attorneys who represent them.  The Conference agenda will include sessions on the following topics: 

                                    OPEN MEETINGS ACT;

                                    FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT;

                                    CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND GIFT BAN;

                                    ETHICS;

                                    WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION;

                                    OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT AND BRIBERY.

            Presenters for the Conference will include Patrick Collins, former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chairman of Governor Pat Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission, as well as Mike Luke, Deputy Attorney General in Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office, and State’s Attorney Birkett and members of his office.

            This Conference is similar to programs presented by Birkett’s office from 1998 until present, however given the current climate in Illinois, as well as the recent municipal elections, Birkett expects increased attendance so it is important to register early.  Information about the Conference and registration information is available through State’s Attorney Birkett’s Special Projects Manager John Kocinski.  He can be reached at (630) 407-8057 or John.Kocinski@dupageco.org  Attorneys who attend the Conference may be eligible for continuing legal education credits.

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