(A) Council members are encouraged to conduct themselves so as to bring credit upon the city as a whole, and to set an example of good ethical conduct for all citizens of the community. Council members shall review and be bound by the requirements of the state’s Ethics Law dealing with use of public office for private financial gain. Council members should constantly bear in mind these responsibilities to the entire electorate, and refrain from actions benefitting any individual or special interest group at the expense of the city as a whole. Council members should likewise do everything in their power to ensure impartial application of the law to all citizens and equal treatment of each citizen before the law, without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, social station or economic position.
(B) If the Mayor or a Council member represents the city before another public body, governmental agency, community organization or with the media, the Mayor or Council member should always present the majority position of the Council. Personal opinions and comments may be expressed only if it includes clarification that these statements do not represent the position of the City Council.
(C) A Council member must have another Council member’s concurrence before representing that Council member’s view or position with the media, if it is different from the majority.
(D) Council members are encouraged to visit with other Council members outside of meetings, so long as they observe the state’s Open Meeting Law, ORS 192.610 to 192.690.
(Ord. 2007-01, passed 4-5-2007)