ROCHESTER — Rochester’s elected or appointed officials will now have to adhere to a code of conduct, as approved by the Select Board on Monday. 

The code of conduct outlines that all officials are “expected to act honestly, conscientiously, reasonably, and in good faith at all times.” 

The code also mandates that they must not act in a “disrespectful, abusive, and/or threatening manner” toward members of the community or other staff members. 

“This has come up a few times among multiple boards and multiple people,” said Town Counsel Blair Bailey. 

Town Administrator Glenn Cannon noted that this is a “national issue” and that “people are getting stressed out.”

He added that “people have pent-up frustration and they’re taking it out on our employees. We need to have written rules about what is or isn’t allowed.” 

Cannon has mentioned in the past that he values employee retention, and says that this code of conduct is a step towards that. 

All members of the Select Board voted to approve the code of conduct, expressing support.

“This is something I feel very strongly about,” said Select Board member Woody Hartley. “I think it’s a good thing.”