(a) The Mayor and Village Council Members are hereby mandated to act professionally to preserve and protect the well-being of the Village and its citizens and to treat each other as they would like to be treated. They are individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, values, opinions and goals. Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office and have the obligation to preserve and protect the well-being of the Village and its citizens. In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged and it should be recognized that certain behaviors are counterproductive.
(b) The Mayor and Council Members shall interact with one another in the following manner:
(1) Practice civility and decorum in discussion and debate;
(2) Difficult questions, challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are legitimate elements of an effective debate, however, to produce successful resolution of issues, the debate should not become belligerent, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, including personal or disparaging attacks;
(3) The Mayor and Council Members have the right to an individual opinion, each of which should be respected. It should be assumed that each individual has the appropriate motives and interest of the public in mind and not criticize differing opinions because they believe them to be lacking in judgment or improperly motivated;
(4) An issue may be contentious without being hostile, degrading, or defamatory; and
(5) The Mayor and Council Members should act as cooperatively as possible and may be required, from time to time, to modify to some extent their positions so that a decision can be reached. Compromise in a position does not indicate dishonestly or lack of integrity, but does indicate a recognition of the realities involved in reaching a consensus or decision which is in the best interest of the Village.
(Ord. 3782. Passed 9-17-14.)