2010/06/09 Council Agenda Packet

Code of t cs and Conduct for Everett City Council Members Statement of Purpose: The City Council members for the City of Everett desire the highest level of ethical conduct for the members of these elected offices. The residents and businesses of the City of Everett are entitled to fair and accountable local government and to be represented by public officials who act in an ethical manner. The City of Everett's strong desire to fulfill this mission therefore requires that: • City Council members comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of government; e Members of the City Council adhere to high ethical standards; G City Council members be independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions; 6 Public office be used for the public good, not for personal gain; and • Public deliberations and processes be conducted openly, unless legally confidential,in an atmosphere of respect and civility. To this end, the Everett City Council has adopted this Code of Ethics and Conduct(Code of Ethics) for City Council members to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation. It is intended that this Code of Ethics apply to the elected public-officials who hold the office of City Council member. The goal of this Code of Ethics is to promote ethical behavior and to set ethical standards, rather than be penal in nature. Asserted violations of this Code of Ethics shall not be grounds to void any action taken by the City Council. Nothing in this Code of Ethics is intended to limit any powers,rights or authority inherent in the office of Everett City Council. 1. Act in the Public Interest Recognizing that the public interest must be their primary concern, City Council members will work for the common good of the people of the City of Everett and not for any private or personal interest. They will assure fair and equal treatment of all persons,businesses and interests coming before the City Council. The professional and personal conduct of City Council members must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. 2. Comply with the Law City Council members shall comply with the laws of the nation, the State of Washington, and the City of Everett in the performance of their public duties. These laws include,but are not limited to: the Constitutions•of the United States and Washington; laws pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures, employer responsibilities, open processes of government;and the City of Everett Charter,Municipal Code and Resolutions. 3. Respect for Process 1 •2