The City Council's Ways and Means/Budget Committee will hold a public hearing next Monday, February 24, on a proposed major overhaul of the City's Code of Ethics. The hearing is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (3rd floor of City Hall).
If this subject is important to you, PLEASE: attend the meeting and speak up! The proposed code is the product of 10 months of intense work by a task force appointed by Mayor Rybak. Task force members include three "citizen" members -- the task force chair Ellen Trout (who served for several years as the ethics officer of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve office), Cam Gordon of the Green Party and yours truly -- as well as representatives of the Mayor, labor and a wide array of City staffers. Intended to inspire high ethical standards, the new Code of Ethics is a dramatic step forward from the current code, which merely reflects requirements imposed by the State. My favorite provision in the new Code is Section 15.403, which establishes an INDEPENDENT Ethical Practices Board. This afternoon, I've asked the Mayor's staff to send this List the web link so interested folks can find the full text of the proposed Code. In the meantime, to keep this post at a somewhat reasonable length, the following excerpts are the Preamble and Ethical Aspirations in the proposed Code: "15.200 Preamble -- Minneapolis government exists to serve the people of Minneapolis. In order to do so effectively, the people must have confidence and trust in the integrity of their City government. They deserve elected and appointed officials, City employees and volunteers who maintain the highest ethical principles and avoid misconduct and conflicts of interest, apparent or real. Effective democracy depends on a government that is fair, ethical and accountable to the people it serves. "This comprehensive Code of Ethics provides an ethical guide and specific rules that reflect the ethical values of our City. It is both inspirational and a basis for disciplinary action. The Ethical Aspirations that begin each section represent the inspirational objectives toward which each public official and employee should strive. The rules define levels of conduct below which no public official or employee can fall without being subject to disciplinary action. "The Code of Ethics is designed to promote high ethical standards and conduct, and to foster a healthy ethical culture throughout City government. It is a touchstone for all who work with and for the City to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities to the people of Minneapolis. "15.201 ETHICAL ASPIRATION 1 TRUST -- We put the public interest ahead of our own personal advancement and financial interests. We disclose conflicts of interest and refrain from participating in decisions where we have a financial interest. We avoid actions that might impair independence of judgment or give the appearance of impropriety or a conflict of interest. We do not use our positions to gain privileges or special treatment and do not use public property or personnel for private or personal purposes. ... "15.300 ETHICAL ASPIRATION 2 FAIRNESS -- We act honestly, fairly, and openly so that others can rely in good faith on our words and actions. We do not engage in or tolerate any act of discrimination, retaliation, harassment or abuse. We maintain and respect confidentiality and decide all matters based on their merits, free from improper influences. ... "15.400 ETHICAL ASPIRATION 3 ACCOUNTABILITY -- We comply with both the letter and the spirit of applicable Federal and State law and regulations, the City Charter, the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances and City policies and procedures. ... " I hope interested people will attend Monday's public hearing and that discussions of the proposed Code will be invigorating. Dore Mead Tangletown former City Council Member, Ward 11 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
