(a) The Internal Auditor will notify Commissioners of a vacancy on the Board of Ethics, and seek their authorization to convene the Search Committee.

(b) The Internal Auditor will have the vacancy advertised in local newspapers 60 days prior to the expiration of the Board of Ethics member’s term. If a mid-term vacancy occurs, advertising will commence upon notice of such vacancy.

(c) The Search Committee will develop interview questions that are relevant to the selection criteria set forth in WSSC 1.70.040(a).

(d) The Search Committee will interview candidates including persons referred to the Search Committee by Commissioners.

(e) The Search Committee will identify the top three candidates to present to the Commissioners. If the vacancy is for the Board member required to be nominated by the Prince George’s County Commissioners, then the top three candidates will be presented to the Prince George’s County Commissioners only. In accordance with WSSC 1.70.040, the Prince George’s County Commissioners shall then nominate one of the three candidates to present for a vote before the full Commission. This same procedure shall be followed by the Montgomery County Commissioners for a vacancy that exists for the Board member required to be nominated by the Montgomery County Commissioners. As to a vacancy for the Board member who may be nominated by any Commissioner, the Search Committee shall present the top three candidates to the full Commission. In the event the Prince George’s County Commissioners, the Montgomery County Commissioners, or the full Commission are unable or unwilling to select a nominee from among the top three candidates identified by the Search Committee, or are unable to elect a Board member, then the Internal Auditor and the Search Committee will repeat whatever procedures in this section they determine are appropriate for ascertaining additional candidates for presentation to Commissioners or to the full Commission.

(f) The Commissioners will select a member for appointment to the Board of Ethics by majority vote of the full Commission or a quorum of Commissioners in accordance with WSSC’s bylaws (WSSC Chapter 1.15).

(g) The Commissioners will vote by majority vote of the full Commission or a quorum of Commissioners in accordance with WSSC’s bylaws annually to appoint a Chairperson for the Board of Ethics. (IA 06-02 § III)