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Model Code

Ethics Codes & Reform November 29, 2006

Falsely Impugning Reputation

There is a lot of talk about courtesy in politics, but most discourtesy involves lack of respect and uncontrolled emotions on the part of officials in their relations with each other. It becomes an ethical problem when citizens are attacked in order to intimidate them and others from being involved…
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Ethics Codes & Reform November 29, 2006

Complicity with or Knowledge of Others' Violations

Complicity with and knowledge of violations are two minefields it is worth crossing. They involve not only dotting the i's, but they also go right to a central element of responsibility: are you responsible for what others do, especially when you are involved or you let it happen. So much of what h…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Consultants

Consultants are an in-between group. They're not officials or employees, nor are they people who do business with the city. They advise or sometimes act for the city, and have access to confidential information as well as special relations with city staff. Please share your thoughts about and exper…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Endorsements

Endorsing products and services is a minor conflict, but this is the sort of conflict that, if not specified, would not be considered a conflict under general language. Please share your thoughts about its inclusion and experiences with this problem. 100(16). Endorsements No official or employee* i…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Fees and Honorariums

Accepting fees and honorariums is a minor conflict, but one that occurs a great deal. Please share your thoughts and experiences. 100(15). Fees and Honorariums No official or employee* may accept a fee or honorarium for an article, for an appearance or speech, or for participation at an event, in h…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Transactions with Subordinates

This provision deals with the potential coercion, or appearance of coercion, that accompanies outside dealings between officials and subordinates. Please share your experiences with this problem and ways to deal with it in ethics codes. 100(14). Transactions with Subordinates No official or employe…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Nepotism

Nepotism seems to be more a matter of taste than other conflict provisions. Everyone knows that it looks bad to hire members of one's own family, but many people feel that government is like business, and in business people do this all the time. What is family for? What are your thoughts on includi…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Misuse of City Property and Reimbursements

One conflict of interest is so basic it is sometimes left out of ethics codes: using city property or money for one's own use. Please share your thoughts about this conflict and your experiences with attempts to control it. 100(12). Misuse of City Property and Reimbursements An official or employee…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Revolving Door

The revolving door involves movement from city government into business, specifically into businesses that do business with the city or represent people before its boards and agencies. The conflict here involves using information and goodwill obtained during one's public service to immediately bene…
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Conflicts of Interest November 29, 2006

Patronage

Patronage involves a conflict between one's obligation to the public to hire the most competent person for each job, and one's political obligation to reward those who help oneself or one's colleagues get elected. Most ethics codes ignore this conflict. Please share your thoughts on its inclusion, …
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