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Ethics Matter: Don’t Be Tomorrow’s Headline!

This webinar is complimentary thanks to a generous sponsorship by ICMA-RC.

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Meet today’s presenter

Martha PeregoDirector of Membership & Ethics, ICMA

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Takeaways

• Ethics is about values-driven conduct•Missteps are largely derived from

undiagnosed/unresolved conflicts•Often self-inflicted• The ICMA Code of Ethics is the unique

map for local government staff

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FoundationsA true profession is built on the foundation of values

• Who are we?• What do we stand

for?• To whom are we

accountable?

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Directions• Values:– Intrinsic to who you

are– Drive conduct and

decisions• Ethical conduct

builds trust• Trust is a key

ingredient in successful public service

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Our values

Service

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Why unethical conduct happens?

CONFLICTS! • Rights vs. responsibilities• Personal interests vs. work obligations• Personal conduct vs. work expectations • Personal values vs. professional values• Intent vs. appearances

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“Justice Ginsburg’s inappropriate comments on Donald Trump”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “I regret making” Donald Trump remarks

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“Supreme Court Vacates Ex-Virginia Governor’s Graft Conviction”

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OK for off-duty conduct?

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David Uhl running for sheriff

Veteran law enforcement officer and Dundee Village Manager David W. Uhl is running for Monroe County sheriff.

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It’s OK to publicly express my opinion on…

A. My organization’s ballot measureB. Gun rightsC. School board bond referendumD. Proposed state legislation on tax capsE. All of the aboveF. None of the aboveG. Some of the above

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Personal Advocacy of Issues

“Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to voice their opinion on public issues. Members may advocate for issues of personal interest only when doing so does not conflict with the performance of their official duties.”

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1st Amendment Right

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What’s in your yard?

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According to Tenet 7, you can do which of the following? A. Send $25 to Clinton’s campaignB. Attend a Trump rally when he comes to

your townC. Attend the presidential debate D. Accept a free ticket to attend a party

fundraiserE. Put a yard sign up for a school board

candidateF. Post on Facebook the picture of you and

Trump

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Is this politics or BAU?A new council member asks staff to prepare a current statement detailing issues of the day for the organization. – Council member mentions her connection to a

candidate running for state legislature– Wants to help the candidate be more

knowledgeable about local issues– No need to share with the rest of council

What’s an appropriate response?

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Innovation leads the wayImpressive experience with a new software program to resolve a challenge• Vendor used your experience to enhance

the software• Collaborative win-win. Vendor invites you

and your staff to participate in a video to share the narrative

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Is it OK to participate in the video?A. NoB. YesC. Only with the option to preview and

approve contentD. Not sure

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Endorsement Guideline• No photos, endorsement, or quote in paid

or other commercial advertisements, marketing materials, social media. Doesn’t matter whether you are compensated or not.• You can provide verbal professional

references as part of the due diligence phase of competitive process or in response to a direct inquiry.

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Endorsement Guideline• Observations, opinions, and analyses of

commercial products are OK when included as part of professional articles and reports • Exceptions: books, professional

development or educational services provided by nonprofit membership organizations or recognized educational institutions, where the local government has a direct economic interest• This is all about commerce!

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See something? Ask first? You witnessed conduct that just struck you as unethical. What should you do? – Leave it alone? Wait to see if this was an

isolated situation?–Arrange for a private sit down to talk it

through?– Report it up the chain of command?

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Dealing with unethical conduct• Assume positive intent • Tailored approach – Is this a peer, subordinate or boss?– Seriousness of conduct

• Did you witness the whole episode, have all the relevant facts, understand context? •What you learn will guide your next

steps

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Match the response with the violation

–Nature of the violation–Clear standards and training? – Prior violations –Willfulness of the violation– Level of responsibility

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When an ethical problem comes to light, be ready to answer…

•What did you know?•When did you know it?•What did you do

about it?

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The two-year “rule” Guideline on length of service• Applies to all members• About making a professional

contribution• Exception vs. recurring experience • Early exits include severe personal

problems, refusal to honor conditions of employment, a vote of no confidence

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Should the tenure be? A. 1 yearB. 2 yearsC. 3 yearsD. Be undefinedE. Up to the individual to determine

based on career/personal needs

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Building the NetworkVolunteer efforts• Is there a direct link to my employer?• Do they get city/county funding?•Will I have to fundraise, i.e. from

locals?• Is this “p” or “P” politics?• Controversial or tame?• Visibility? Leader or follower?

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Building an Ethical Culture• Leaders: Set the tone• Set values for the organization• Incorporate values into hiring and

review• Integrate values into your operations• Provide training and resources• Promote the values

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Ethics Matter!

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Resources

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Last note

“Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that you may merit the respect and confidence of the elected officials, of other officials and employees, and of the public.”

Tenet 3 ICMA Code of Ethics

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Questions and Answers

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Thank you

Martha Perego mperego@icma.org

And special thanks to ICMA-RC for sponsoring this event!