The Prince George's County Council, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent in part upon the people maintaining the highest trust in their public officials and employees, finds and declares that the people have a right to be assured that the impartiality and independent judgement of public officials and employees will be maintained. It is evident that this confidence and trust is eroded when the conduct of the County's business is subject to improper influence and even the appearance of improper influence. For the purpose of guarding against improper influence, the County Council enacts this Code of Ethics to require County elected officials, officials, employees, and individuals appointed to boards and commissions to disclose their financial affairs and to set minimum standards for their conduct of local business. It is the intention of the Council that this Division, except its provisions for criminal sanctions, be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose.