(A) General principles underlying the Code of Ethics.
(1) The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government depend upon public confidence in the integrity of the government and upon responsible exercise of the trust conferred by the people upon their elected officials.
(2) Governmental decisions and policy must be made and implemented through proper channels and processes of the governmental structure.
(3) Board members must be able to act in a manner that maintains their integrity and independence, yet is responsive to the interests and needs of those they represent.
(4) Board members must always remain aware that at various times they play different roles:
(a) As advocates, who strive to advance the legitimate needs of their citizens;
(b) As legislators, who balance the public interest and private rights in considering and enacting ordinances, orders and resolutions; and
(c) As decision-makers, who arrive at fair and impartial quasi-judicial and administrative determinations.
(5) Board members must know how to distinguish among these roles, to determine when each role is appropriate, and to act accordingly.
(6) Board members must be aware of their obligations to conform their behavior to standards of ethical conduct that warrant the trust of their constituents. Each official must find within his or her own conscience the touchstone by which to determine what conduct is appropriate.
(B) Code of Ethics. The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for the City Council and to help determine what conduct is appropriate in particular cases. It should not be considered a substitute for the law or for a Council member’s best judgment.
(Res. 17-10, passed 6-8-2010)