Ethics panel approves rule: candidates must file financial disclosure when declaring candidacy

The ethics panel voted to require that each candidate submit an annual financial disclosure form at the same time they file a declaration of candidacy, panel members said.

Town clerk (speaking as part of drafting) summarized the requirement in plain language: "each candidate filing a declaration of candidacy shall simultaneously file the annual financial disclosure form with the town clerk." Committee member moved the change and the Chair seconded; members voted in favor.

Panel members said the change aims to avoid delays in reviewing disclosures and to allow the panel to confirm that disclosure forms are complete at the point of filing rather than waiting until later. Members discussed earlier guidance from commissioners that had referenced windows of 10–15 days before an election, but the panel settled on requiring the disclosure at the time of candidacy filing (the day the candidate submits their declaration), with flexibility for candidates who file earlier.

Committee member who moved the motion said the form should be part of the candidate filing packet and described the document as the "annual financial disclosure form." The Chair and the clerk worked through wording and placement in section 13 of the draft ordinance during the meeting.

The motion to require simultaneous filing carried in a voice vote. The mover was the Committee member; the Chair seconded. Panel members indicated they will include Debbie's written edits in the next packet and schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize language.