Public Service and Ethics: What is the New Ethics Reform/Lobbying Law?

From left:  David Young, ACEC/MA President with presenters: Jeff Terrey, Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, Jennifer Ducey, Fay, Spofford and Thorndike, Andre Martecchini, Kleinfelder/S E A Consultants, Cheryl Cronin, Cronin & Leonard, Erik Stoothoff, Jacobs.

The new Massachusetts Lobbying Law took effect January 1,  2010 and imposed new burdens on individuals, businesses and associations.  The implications are significant.  Yet, Engineers and Land Surveyors must continue to serve their clients and their communities. Our speakers coverd what engineers and land surveyors need to know to practice and be involved under the new law. 

Below are some helpful web links on this topic; please consult legal counsel for information about your own professional situation.

Link to the new Ethics and Lobbying law, Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2009:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw09/sl090028.htm
 

Where do I vote? (to determine the names of your elected officials)

Overview:
How does the new ethics reform/lobbying law (Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2009) effect public and private surveying and engineering work?  
What can you do to protect yourself from even the appearance of a conflict of interest?
How do engineers effectively serve in public elected and appointed office while working for firms? What does this mean for local public officials?
Do you need to register as a lobbyist?
 
With:
Cheryl Cronin, Esq., Cronin & Leonard, a leading lawyers in cases implicating conflict of interest/ethics laws, political and election law, lobbying and other similar compliance laws
 
Jennifer A. Ducey, PE, Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, Member, Massachusetts School Building Authority Designer Selection Panel
 
Andre Martecchini, PE, S E A Consultants Inc., former Selectman, Town of Duxbury
 
Jeff Terrey, Vice President, Public Affairs, Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications
 
Moderator:  Erik Stoothoff, PE, Jacobs 
 

2010 ACEC/MA Corporate Sponsors  (list as of 12-21-09 in formation for 2010--For sponsorship information, contact etyminski@engineers.org):  
 
PLATINUM
VHB/Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc
 
GOLD
Architectural Engineers, Inc.
Stantec
Jacobs
 
SILVER
Environmental Partners Group, Inc.
Nitsch Engineering, Inc.
Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.