It hereby is declared to be the policy of the city, and the city council hereby finds and declares such policy to be necessary, in order to promote and provide efficient and good government, where government is based on the consent of the governed, that the proper operation of democratic government requires the public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people, that government decision and policy be made in the best interest of the people, the community and the government, that public office not be used for personal gain, and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government. (2003 Code § 1-21-01)