It is essential in a democratic system that the public has confidence in the integrity,
independence, and impartiality of those who act on their behalf in government. Such
confidence depends not only on the conduct of those who exercise official power, but
on the availability of aid or redress to all persons on equal terms and on the accessibility
and dissemination of information relating to the conduct of public affairs.
For the purpose of promoting confidence in the government of the City and thereby
enhancing the City's ability to function effectively, this Code of Ethics is adopted.
The Code of Ethics establishes standards of conduct, disclosure requirements, and
enforcement mechanisms relating to City officials and employees and others whose actions
affect public faith in City government, such as former City officials and employees,
candidates for public office, persons doing business with the City, and lobbyists.
By prohibiting conduct incompatible with the City's best interests and minimizing
the risk of any appearance of impropriety, this Code of Ethics furthers the legitimate
interests of democracy.
Public service is a public trust. All City officials and employees are stewards of
the public trust. They have a responsibility to the citizens of the City to enforce
the City Charter and the associated ordinances and codes. To ensure and enhance public
confidence in City government, each City official and employee must not only adhere
to the principles of ethical conduct set forth in this Code and technical compliance
therewith, but they must scrupulously avoid the appearance of impropriety at all times.
This section shall not be used for the basis of an ethics complaint.
