About Cityethics

T3 is a 3-pronged approach to the enhancement of transparency programs and the encouragement of truthful communication in Government ethics programs.


We have created a page for each US State to briefly list the Ethics resources available for that state.

We Need a Support Network

I've just finished reading a book called Illicit by Moises Naim, about the trafficking of everything from people and drugs to artworks and counterfeit DVDs .

One of the things Naim focuses on is why governments have so much trouble putting a dent into any of these types of trafficking. The principal reason is the structure of relationships. Government bureaucracies lose out to increasingly flexible networks of individuals.

In the municipal ethics world, the situation is similar, but even worse outside the larger cities. On one side, you have complex, flexible networks of elected and appointed officials, government employees, party committee members, lawyers, developers, realtors, and others who have common personal interests and a shared experience of power.

On the other side, you have ethics commissions and ethics officers who participate little, if at all, in any network, and whose interests are neither personal nor compelling. In fact, most of these people feel alone, ignorant, and powerless.

Hardly an even playing field.

- Fri, 2007-10-05 14:15

The Ethics Elephant in the Press !

In an article published in the Jacksonville Daily Record on Thursday, Carla Miller revealed her plans as the City's new Ethics Officer:
'In a very large city like Jacksonville you can't say that every single person who comes into government will be an ethical and honest person, so it comes down to the control systems. I teach with Michael Josephson in 'Character Counts' and he calls it 'The Law of Big Numbers'. In every large group there are bound to be some crooks. You have to build in front-end controls and cross-checks.'

Miller was extensively quoted about her use of the fable of the Ethics Elephant and the complete City Ethics Ethics Elephant powerpoint slide is published [in PDF format] on the Daily Record website.

See http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=48372 for the complete story by Max Marbut. (Site may require a login for access.)

- Thu, 2007-09-06 23:37

Currently: Director of IT for CityEthics.org

Mr McClintock has created the website www.cityethics.org as the basis for City Ethics Inc. - a non-profit established with the goal of making it easier to establish effective ethics programs in Cities and Counties Internationally.

We will add to this page soon - thanks for your interest.

There is always something that we would like some help with - please see the Contact Us page for ways to send us a communication if you do wish to contribute to the motion.

Your contribution is much appreciated, and will be used to forward our goals of a more Ethical world in which to live.

How can I donate?

Currently, we accept donations in U.S. dollars. You can donate using Paypal or using direct deposit. Please see our donation form.


(Draft'personalize for your organization!)
 

All board members and applicants shall agree to comply with the organization's ethics code and the ethical guidelines on conflicts adopted by the Board on______.