(A) The public official shall not discuss or divulge confidential information acquired by him or her in the course of his or her official duties nor shall he or she use this information for his or her own personal interest or aggrandizement.
(B) The public official shall respect the rights, privileges and opinions of his or her fellow officials, staff and the public at large. Council members shall exhibit respect for the public, other governmental units and agencies, and the professional and ethical conduct of the Town Manager and staff. Propriety dictates that the public official be sensitive to the possible confidential or personal nature of directives addressed to other individuals. In bringing honor to the title and in recognition of the weighty respect due the role of public official, those elected to public office shall:
(1) Lead by example;
(2) Demonstrate civil and courteous conduct at all times;
(3) Seek and speak the truth;
(4) Respect all people;
(5) Accept respectful dissension as a civic right.
(C) In his or her dealings with town employees, the public official shall maintain professional conduct with respect to the employee’s work assignments and obligations, and shall refrain from directly influencing the professional management of the town's administration by any means other than direct communication with the Town Manager. The office of the public official shall in no situation be used to wrongfully obtain information or administrative outcomes, either by intimidation or by deliberately violating the privacy of an employee’s work station.
(D) All public officials shall comply with this code of ethics.
(2001 Code, § 2-6-4) (Am. Ord. 13-768, passed 4-9-2013; Am. Ord. 15-796, passed 4-28-2015)