That's why governing boards invented ethics codes: to lay out a standard of conduct for people engaged in public service, and in particular to make sure that those people don't use their public office for private gain.
In an ideal universe, municipal employees and elected officials wouldn't need to be reminded that it's not kosher to use their positions to land a cushy government job for a relative, or to accept a bribe in return for waiving a zoning regulation.
New Jersey is not part of that universe - nor are most states, we suspect.
That's why governing boards invented ethics codes: to lay out a standard of conduct for people engaged in public service, and in particular to make sure that those people don't use their public office for private gain.
Hamilton Township Council passed an ordinance last month requiring annual ethics training for all municipal employees, elected officials and appointed members of township boards and commissions.
The policy builds on reform efforts by Mayor Kelly Yaede that began when she took office in 2013. It reflects an understanding that all the regulations in the world won't work unless officials know they're on the books, and agree to abide by them.
Hamilton had been in the center of an ethics superstorm since former mayor John Bencivengo was convicted in November 2012 and sentenced to 38 months in prison for accepting $12,400 in bribes from a close friend and health-insurance broker for the school district.
A federal jury found Bencivengo guilty on charges of bribery, extortion and money laundering.
In March of 2013, the township council voted to abolish the local ethics board, which had been widely denounced for its do-nothing nature during the five years of its existence.
MORE: Former Hamilton mayor released from prison
In its stead, the council turned to the Local Finance Board, under the auspices of the state Department of Community Affairs, to handle ethics issues, and also adopted an ethics code recommended by the state.
"Utilizing the state board removes all perceived undue influence concerning ethics within Hamilton Township," Yaede said in a statement after the vote.
Many municipalities throughout the state and nation have adopted rigid codes of ethics in the past couple of decades, and others are in the process.
Santa Clara, California, goes so far as to offer special workshops to teach individuals - including candidates and their supporters - how to conduct campaigns to reflect the community's principles of ethical behavior.
But in the end, these blueprints for good conduct are only as effective as the people who enforce them.
We commend Hamilton for heading in the right direction with its new set of regulations, and particularly for helping to chip away at the perception that New Jersey is full of crooks.