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County has conflict of interest rule In light of recent problems at the Jackson County airport, may I ask why the county doesn't have a strict policy (that is actively enforced) against employees pertaining to conflicts of interest? The city of Medford has such a policy that helps prevent employees that might abuse their position as a public employee. Why doesn't the county? -- Chuck B., Medford The county does have a policy against conflict of interest adopted way back in 1981, and county counsel Mike Jewett says the policy is enforced. "We take conflicts of interest very seriously," Jewett says. Here's how the policy reads: "It is the policy of Jackson County that employees shall not use their official position or the knowledge gained therein, in such a manner that a conflict between the county's interest and their personal interest shall arise. "Employees shall conduct their personal affairs so as to avoid any conflicts between their personal and outside interests and the interest of the county, as well as to avoid any conduct which might adversely affect the exercise of their official judgment." Jewett noted that in the case of the airport -- in which airport officials were accused of conflict of interest, misusing public property and sloppy timekeeping -- a thorough investigation was done and "some corrections were made." The state ethics commission also is investigating the allegations. The findings are expected in June. "We welcome the state's investigation and are certainly interested in the outcome," Jewett says. ("Since You Asked'' is a daily feature in the Mail Tribune that answers questions from readers on virtually any topic of general interest. To submit a question, e-mail us at [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. If you have specific questions about our Web site or other questions about the Mail Tribune, please send them to [email protected] ) Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA