LAKEPORT – On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted a policy governing ethics and conduct among board members.
Supervisor Rob Brown said he and Supervisor Denise Rushing proposed the code, suggesting the language that County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox worked into the final document.
Rushing told fellow board members Tuesday that ethics isn't just a local issue – it extends to government at state and national levels.
She told the board that during her campaign for District 3 Supervisor last year, she spoke with many people who didn't vote because they felt disenfranchised by government officials' lack of ethical behavior.
“There's a real crisis in confidence in government in general,” Rushing said, adding that democracy depends on turning that crisis around.
The board quickly accepted the policy, with Board Chair Jeff Smith adding the stipulation that the policy should be signed by all five supervisors.
The code restricts use of public resources for private gain, sets guidelines for separating personal advocacy from county positions, encourages transparency in government and decisions based on merit, amongst numerous other points.
The full policy is reprinted below.
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
WHEREAS, a Code of Conduct and Ethics serves to increase public confidence in County government, assist members of the Board of Supervisors with decision-making and encourage high standards of behavior by Board members; and
WHEREAS, a Code of Conduct represents a commitment to uphold a standard of integrity beyond that required by law; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Lake County Board of Supervisors wish to adopt a Code of Conduct and Ethics.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Lake that it hereby establishes a Code of Conduct and Ethics as follows:
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS OF THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
A. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Comply with Law. Supervisors shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws in the performance of their public duties.
2. Conduct of Supervisors. The professional and personal conduct of Board members must be above reproach and avoid the appearance of impropriety. We are dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in public and personal relationships in order to merit the respect and confidence of the public. We believe that activities undertaken to enhance personal power or profit secured by confidential information obtained during the course of our public service or by misuse of public time is inappropriate and dishonest. We affirm the dignity and worth of the services rendered by County government and will conduct ourselves accordingly by maintaining a constructive, creative and practical attitude toward County government affairs and a deep sense of social responsibility as trusted public servants. We will refrain from conduct by which we inappropriately make use of our official positions for private or political advantage.
3. Respect for Process. Supervisors shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the Board governing the deliberation of public policy issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions of the Board by County staff.
4. Decisions Based on Merit. Board members shall base decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
5. Conflict of Interest. Board members recognize the function of County government is at all times to serve the best interests of the citizens of Lake County. In order to assure their independence and impartiality in the County's best interest, Board members shall not use their official positions to influence decisions in which they have a conflict of interest.
6. Gifts and Favors. Board members shall follow the laws that apply to the acceptance of gifts or favors as a public official.
7. Confidential Information. Board members shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the property, personnel and business of the County. Board members shall neither disclose confidential information without proper legal authorization, nor use such information to advance their personal, financial or other private interests.
8. Use of Public Resources. Board members shall not use public resources, such as County staff time, equipment, supplies or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
9. Advocacy. Board members shall represent the official policies or positions of the Board to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, Board members shall explicitly state they do not represent the opinion of the entire Board.
10. Positive Work Place Environment. Board members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive work place environment for County employees, private citizens and businesses dealing with the County.
11. Transparency in Government. Board members will strive to keep the community informed on the business and activities of County government, except when expressly prohibited by law from doing so. Board members will encourage communication between the citizens and all County government officers, emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public, and seek to improve the quality and image of public service.
B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS
Board members shall:
1. Demonstrate honesty and integrity in every action and statement.
2. Comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operation of County government.
3. Serve as a model of leadership and civility to the community.
4. Inspire public confidence in Lake County government.
5. Work for the County's best interest and not personal interest.
6. Prepare in advance of Board meetings and be familiar with issues on the agenda.
7. Fully participate in Board meetings and other public forums while demonstrating respect, consideration, and courtesy to others.
8. Be responsible for the highest standards of respect, civility and honesty in ensuring the effective maintenance of intergovernmental relations.
C. BOARD MEMBERS CONDUCT WITH ONE ANOTHER
Board members are composed of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, personalities, values, opinions, and goals. All have chosen to serve in public office in order to improve the quality of life in the community. In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged even as Board members may "agree to disagree" on contentious issues.
1. In public meetings. Board members shall:
a. Practice civility and decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. Board members will be respectful of diverse opinions.
b. Honor the role of the Board Chair in maintaining order and equity. Respect the Board Chair's efforts to focus discussion on current agenda items. Objections to the Chair's actions should be voiced politely and with reason.
C. Demonstrate effective problem-solving approaches. Board members have a public forum to show how individuals with different points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community as a whole. Board members are role models for residents, business people and other stakeholders involved in public debate.
d. Be respectful of other people's time. Stay focused and act efficiently during public meetings.
2. In Private Encounters:
a. Treat others with respect to maintain public confidence in governmental affairs.
D. ENFORCEMENT
Board members have the primary responsibility to assure that this Code of Conduct and Ethics is followed, so that the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of government. As an expression of the standards of conduct expected by the County for Board members, the Code of Conduct and Ethics is intended to be self-enforcing- It will be most effective when Board members are thoroughly familiar with it and embrace its provisions. Board members will keep a copy of this Code of Conduct and Ethics in their County offices at all times.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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