Tis the Season

ELECTION SEASON

With the 2014 election season approaching it is important to remember that City Managers should not use public resources to invite Council members or other city employees to attend political campaigns or meet and greets when requested to do so by third parties, nor should they attend them themselves.   Neutrality is essential.  Attendance to any politically affiliated event portrays a small act of political activity and appearance can display support.  In the election season, it is also not a staff function to research and analyze information generated by third parties on candidates to determine if it’s factual.  We recommend you decline any requests as it, too, is not an appropriate use of public resources (i.e. time). Finally, all that put aside, local government professionals do not lose their right to voice opinion by virtue of the job.  They should refrain from political activities that undermine public confidence in professional administrators.

REPORTING WRONGDOING

There is a cost to silence.  It is better to address concerns peer-to-peer and intervene early for the best possibly outcome.  There is professional accountability to reporting wrongdoing and value in self-policing.  As a City Manager, there is a personal responsibility to prevent damage to the reputation of other professionals and the profession.

JOB HUNTING

When searching for new employment, there are three important actions to abide by:

1.      Create Accurate Resumes: This means including all short tenures, not misstating credentials, and not exaggerating or “hiding” employment history.

2.      Practice Candor: Be forthcoming in your history.  Demonstrate honesty upfront then when a background check has already ensued.

3.      Be a free Agent: You are under no ethical obligation to tell your current employer that you are looking elsewhere.  Nevertheless, do not burn bridges.  It is a courtesy to provide advance notice to them before news begins to leak.

When being offered a new job, do not entertain a counteroffer from your former employer.  It reflect bad form and poorly on the profession.

REAL WORLD ETHICS

ICMA Code of Ethics does not cover spouses.

Remember, while advocating for a candidate may not be allowed, advocating for an issue is.