What should a public official refrain from doing when dealing with filed statements?

The correct answer highlights that public officials must refrain from using filed statements for commercial purposes. This requirement is grounded in the principles of integrity and accountability that are emphasized in the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which aims to prevent any misuse of information that could breach the trust of the public.

Using such information for commercial gain could lead to conflicts of interest, undermine public trust, and compromise the ethical standards that officials are expected to uphold. The laws are designed to ensure that the information submitted by the public remains confidential and serves its intended purpose, which is to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

In contrast, making statements available for free, storing them safely, and promoting transparency are practices that align with good governance and ethical standards. They support the public's right to access information and encourage openness in government dealings, reinforcing public trust rather than undermining it.