TO: Colleagues in City Government
FROM: Eric Adams, Mayor
Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, Department of Investigation
Milton L. Williams Jr., Chair, Conflicts of Interest Board
RE: Reminder Regarding Holiday Gifts
During this holiday season, we thank you for your public service. We also want to remind you of the public trust we all hold as public servants. As part of that trust, you may not accept gifts or favors in connection with your public service.
Violations of these rules impact public confidence in City government. Violations may also result in serious penalties for you personally. Therefore, we want to remind you of the prohibition against gifts or favors and ask you to help inform and remind your colleagues of these rules to assist them in avoiding problems, as well. Key rules to remember include:
Plain language guidance about common conflicts of interest law questions is available in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Conflicts of Interest Board’s (“COIB”) website. If you have any questions, please contact COIB for advice at AOD@coib.nyc.gov or (212) 442-1400. The advice you receive will be confidential, and it can also be anonymous. Should you have evidence or suspicion of corrupt activity anywhere in City government, you are required to report it immediately to the Inspector General assigned to your agency. Those reports will be kept strictly confidential.
It is our job as public servants to uphold the public trust New Yorkers have placed in us. Thank you for all you do to serve the people of this great City, and best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year.