New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 2 - PUBLIC FINANCE
Chapter 81 - RETIREE HEALTH CARE FUNDS
Part 3 - CODE OF ETHICS
Section 2.81.3.6 - OBJECTIVE

A. The objective of this rule is to establish procedures governing a code of ethics that must be adhered to by those persons covered and provide penalties for failure to comply. The proper operation of a democratic government requires that public representatives and those attorneys, consultants, agents and employees on who they rely for advice and opinions be independent, impartial, and responsible to the people.

B. NMRHCA decisions and policy should be made through proper channels of the NMRHCA structure and public office, employment or contracts should not be used for personal gain. A conflict of interest exists when a public representative's, public employee's or public contractor's private or personal interests conflict with his/her public duties or when a public representative, public employee, agent, consultant or attorney for the public entity uses insider knowledge, official position, power or influence to further his/her private interests.

C. When a sound code of ethics is promulgated and enforced, the public has confidence in the integrity of its government. The objective of the code of ethics rule is to advance openness in government by requiring disclosure of private interests that may affect public acts, to set standards of ethical conduct, to minimize pressures on public representatives and to establish a process for reviewing and settling alleged violations.