how to file an ethics complaint against a local town government with the state attorney general

How do I file a complaint under the Ethics Act?

 · There are several ways to let them know: Use the USPS website’s Email Us form. Select an inquiry type that most closely relates to the complaint or question that you have. On the website, you can also file a claim or request a refund for shipping. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 1-800-877-8339.

How do I file a complaint against a state or county?

Any individual may file a complaint concerning alleged violations of the Ethics Act. How do I file a complaint? Complaint forms are available by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Paper forms are also available upon request from the State Ethics Commission. The complaint should state the name, job or office held by the subject of the complaint, and a description of the facts which …

Can a public official be discharged for filing a complaint?

File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission. Conflict of interest or financial disclosure law complaints may be filed online, by mail, by phone, or in person. If you believe that a state, county, or municipal employee in Massachusetts has violated the conflict of interest or financial disclosure law, you can file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission.

How do I file a discrimination complaint against a government contractor?

Contact for File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission. State Ethics Commission. Phone. Main Call State Ethics Commission, Main at (617) 371-9500. Open M-F 9am-5pm. Online. Staff Contact Information. Policy prohibiting weapons in Commission offices.

How do I file a complaint against a local government?

Learn how to file a complaint to your federal or local government and its agencies....You can also contact your congressional representative's constituent services office in your district:Locate a senator.Locate a representative.Call the United States Capitol switchboard at 1-202-224-3121.

What is the job of the attorney general?

The Attorney General represents the State in legal proceedings. The Attorney General is legal adviser to each Government Department and certain public bodies. The Attorney General is the representative of the public in all legal proceedings for the enforcement of law and the assertion or protection of public rights.

How do I file an ethical complaint in Massachusetts?

File a complaint by calling the Intake Investigator at (617) 371-9500 or (888) 485-4766. Intake Investigators are generally available to take calls between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Who does the attorney general of New York report to?

The attorney general advises the executive branch of state government and defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the state. The attorney general acts independently of the governor of New York.

Who can remove the Attorney General?

the PresidentHe can be removed by the President at any time. He can quit by submitting his resignation only to the President. Since he is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, conventionally he is removed when the council is dissolved or replaced.

What does the US Attorney General investigate?

The attorney general, in essence, runs a large law firm with broad scope that includes investigating drug traffickers, Medicaid fraud and prescription drug abuse.

How do I file a complaint against a principal in Massachusetts?

Call for a Form or Assistance Please call 781.338. 3700 or email [email protected] to receive a complaint intake form in any language. PRS staff can also take your complaint over the phone in any language.

How do I file a complaint against a social worker in Massachusetts?

If you are not sure if a licensee's actions rise to the level of misconduct, you may contact a DOL investigator to discuss your complaint by calling our Office of Investigations at (617) 727-7406.

What are the duties and responsibilities of the Attorney General of New York State?

In fulfilling the duties of the State's chief legal counsel, the Attorney General not only advises the Executive branch of State government, but also defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the State. The Attorney General serves all New Yorkers in numerous matters affecting their daily lives.

How do I contact the NYS Attorney General?

NYS OAG Information and Complaint Helpline: 1-800-771-7755. For the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-788-9898.

Who is the state Attorney General of New York?

Letitia James (Democratic Party)New York / Attorney generalLetitia Ann "Tish" James is an American lawyer, activist, and politician. She is a member of the Democratic Party and the current Attorney General of New York, having won the 2018 election to succeed appointed Attorney General Barbara Underwood. Wikipedia

File a Complaint with the U.S. Postal Service

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File a Complaint About a Law Enforcement Officer or Judge

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File a Complaint Against a Federal or State Government Agency

Learn how to file a complaint against a state or federal government agency.Federal Government AgenciesTo file a complaint against a federal agency:...

Suing the Federal Government

To bring legal action against a federal agency, you must first contact the agency directly. The agency will provide you with information and forms,...

Notices & Alerts

If you believe that a state, county, or municipal employee in Massachusetts has violated the conflict of interest or financial disclosure law, you can file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission.

Notice of State Ethics Commission Office Closure Mar. 16, 2020, 09:00 am

If you believe that a state, county, or municipal employee in Massachusetts has violated the conflict of interest or financial disclosure law, you can file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission.

Notice of State Ethics Commission Office Closure Mar. 16, 2020, 09:00 am

The Commission is temporarily not able to allow visitors to our office due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 emergency.

Please note the following

Do not file the same complaint more than once or use more than one of these methods to file the same complaint.

What to do if a city denies a claim?

If the city denies your claim, check your state law and City Code to determine whether you must appeal to the city level before filing a lawsuit in court. Some states require one more appeal at the city level, but most states allow you to file a lawsuit immediately after your claim is denied.

Can you sue a city for a missed deadline?

Even the smallest error can result in your losing your right to sue the city, so be very thorough and even repetitive if you have to. If you miss a deadline or leave out a required piece of information, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit in court.

How long does it take to file a notice of claim?

File a notice of claim with the city you want to sue. Most state laws require a notice of claim to be filed within one or two years of the action giving rise to the claim, so make sure you check your state's deadlines and then stay on top of your deadline. Wait for the city to review and answer your notice of claim.

What happens if you miss a deadline?

If you miss a deadline or leave out a required piece of information, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit in court. Writer Bio. The Constitution Guru has worked as a writer and editor for "BYU Law Review" and "BYU Journal of Public Law.".

Who investigates sworn complaints?

The State Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate sworn complaints and may initiate investigations on its own motion with regards to both Ethics and Lobbying Disclosure matters.

What is a sworn complaint?

A sworn complaint must include full names and addresses of the complainant and respondent, contain information and documentation related to the conduct of a specific public official/public employee, be signed by the complainant, and be properly notarized.

What is the purpose of the State Ethics Commission?

The State Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate sworn complaints and may initiate investigations on its own motion with regards to both Ethics and Lobbying Disclosure matters. A sworn complaint must include full names and addresses of the complainant and respondent, contain information and documentation related to the conduct ...

Ethics Act Complaints

The State Ethics Commission has the authority to investigate complaints filed by third parties alleging a covered person's or legislative employee's violation of the State Government Ethics Act#N#(link is external)#N#.

Lobbying Law Complaints

The State Ethics Commission and the Secretary of State may investigate complaints alleging violations of the Lobbying Law#N#(link is external)#N#. Any complaint solely related to a lobbyist's or lobbyist principal's failure to register or report will be referred to the Secretary of State's Lobbying Compliance Division#N#(link is external)#N#.

Complaints under the Jursidiction of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission has jurisdiction over complaints of Ch. 11, Ch. 13 Subch. III ., & Ch. 19 Subch. III of the Wisconsin Statutes:

Special Notes

Please note that the Ethics Commission and its staff can only conduct an investigation upon a finding of reasonable suspicion, so a complaint should include all applicable information regarding the alleged violation that you want the Commission to consider in determining whether or not to make a finding of reasonable suspicion.

To File a Complaint

The Commission reviews each complaint to determine whether it states a violation within the jurisdiction of the Commission and satisfies the criteria for a proper complaint (see complaint form). If the complaint does not meet these requirements, the Commission may notify the complainant of the deficiencies.

What is an advisory opinion for local government?

A local government employee or officer not regulated by a county or municipal code of ethics may request from the Local Finance Board an advisory opinion as to whether any proposed activity or conduct constitutes a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law.

Is a complaint considered confidential?

Any complaints, statements, information, or documents obtained or prepared by the Board staff or the Board are deemed confidential and not subject to public disclosure during the course of the preliminary investigation or investigation to determine whether a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law has occurred, except as necessary for the Board’s staff or the Board to conduct the preliminary investigation or investigation.

What is the local finance board?

The Local Finance Board in the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs shall have jurisdiction to govern and guide the conduct of local government officers or employees regarding violations of the provisions of this act who are not otherwise regulated by a county or municipal code of ethics promulgated by a county or municipal ethics board in accordance with the provisions of this act . Local government officers or employees serving a local government agency created by more than one county or municipality and officers or employees of county colleges established pursuant to N.J.S. 18A:64A-1 et seq. shall be under the jurisdiction of the board. The board in interpreting and applying the provisions of this act shall recognize that under the principles of democracy, public officers and employees cannot and should not be expected to be without any personal interest in the decisions and policies of government; that citizens who are government officers and employees have a right to private interests of a personal, financial and economic nature; and that standards of conduct shall distinguish between those conflicts of interest which are legitimate and unavoidable in a free society and those conflicts of interest which are prejudicial and material and are, therefore, corruptive of democracy and free society.

What information is required to be included in a local government financial disclosure statement?

All financial disclosure statements filed pursuant to this act shall include the following information which shall specify, where applicable, the name and address of each source of income and the local government officer’s job title:

What does the governing body of a county do?

The governing body of the county shall provide the county ethics board with offices for the conduct of its business and the preservation of its records, and shall supply equipment and supplies as may be necessary.

What is an advisory opinion?

local government officer or employee serving the county may request and obtain from the county ethics board an advisory opinion as to whether any proposed activity or conduct would in its opinion constitute a violation of the county code of ethics or any financial disclosure requirements. Advisory opinions of the county ethics board shall not be made public, except when the ethics board by the vote of two-thirds of all of its members directs that the opinion be made public. Public advisory opinions shall not disclose the name of the local government officer or employee unless the ethics board in directing that the opinion be made public so determines.

How many members are on the ethics board?

Each municipality of the State may, by ordinance, establish a municipal ethics board consisting of six members who are residents of the municipality, at least two of whom shall be public members. The members of the ethics board shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality. The members shall be chosen by virtue of their known and consistent reputation for integrity and their knowledge of local government affairs. No more than three members of the ethics board shall be of the same political party.