Code of Conduct

From the Franklin Town Code site:

No member shall vote on any matter where the member's private or family interest will conflict with the public's interest as set out in the State Conflict of Interest Law, MGL c. 268A.

http://ecode360.com/10436526?highlight=conflicts%20of%20interest,conflict%20of%20interest,interests%20of,interests,conflict,interest,of#10436526

screen grab of MA.GOV State Ethics Commmission webpage

Code of Conduct

Section 23(b)(2) Improper Use of Public Position

Section 23(b)(2) provides that a public employee may not knowingly, or with reason to know, use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions of substantial value for himself or others. Under section 23(b)(2), the Commission has consistently prohibited public employees from using their titles, public time and public resources to promote private interests.

Section 23(b)(3) Appearances of a Conflict of Interest

Section 23(b)(3) prohibits a public employee from knowingly, or with reason to know, engaging in conduct which would cause a reasonable person to conclude that any person or entity can improperly influence the employee or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties, or that he is likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank, or position of any person.

For example, issues may arise under this section if a matter involving a non-immediate family relative, a close friend or business associate, or a civic organization in which a public employee is a member comes before the public employee in his official capacity, even if the public employee is not otherwise required to abstain under G.L. c. 268A, sections 6, 13 or 19. The public employee's private relationship with such an individual or organization creates an impression that he could be biased in his official actions as a result of the private relationship.

These and other references can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations/conflict-of-interest-information/info-section-23/overview.html

and here   http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations/conflict-of-interest-information/