(a) Holding public office is a public trust. The proper functioning of democratic government requires ethical behavior by Councilmembers. Ethical behavior involves the commitment to take individual responsibility in creating a government that earns the trust and respect of its citizens. All who serve the City have a solemn responsibility to avoid improper conduct and unethical behavior.

(b) Councilmembers shall conduct themselves with honesty and integrity and shall practice civility and respect. Councilmembers shall honor the role of the presiding officer in maintaining order and equity and shall be respectful towards others, including but not limited to Councilmembers, the presiding officer, City staff, and the general public. Councilmembers have a duty to actively engage in conversations and debates; however, they must do so in a manner that avoids demeaning conduct, personal attacks, and other behavior that is not conducive to polite discussion.

(c) This Code shall be interpreted to promote fair, honest, and impartial dealings with members of the public, to ensure proper use of City resources, and to avoid or manage conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest.

(d) Where provisions of this chapter differ from the common law principle that an appearance of impropriety alone is sufficient to establish a conflict of interest or an ethical violation, the provisions of this chapter supersede the common law. [Ord. 19-03 § 2 (Att.), 2019.]