Contract Avoidance Provisions -- Still in Stratford

The situation discussed in the previous blog entry also provides a good example of why it is important to have a contract avoidance provision in a local government ethics code. Here is the one in the City Ethics Model Code:

Any contract, agreement, or other business transaction entered into by or with the city which results in or from a violation of any provision of sections 100 or 101 of this code is void, without further action taken, unless ratified by the city's legislative body in an open session held after applicable public notice. Such ratification does not affect the imposition of any penalties pursuant to this code or any other provision of law.

If Stratford had such a clause, the bidder would have asked its employee not to accept a position on the bid-review committee, knowing that any contract based on the bid might be declared void.