§ 2-192. Declaration of policy.

(a)

It is essential to the proper operation of democratic government that government officials be independent and impartial; that public office not be used for private gain other than the remuneration provided by law; and that there be public confidence in the integrity of the government. The attainment of one (1) or more of these ends is impaired whenever there exists a conflict between the private interests of an elected official, governmental employee, or board or commission member, and his duties as such. The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against such conflict of interest and establish appropriate ethical standards with respect to the conduct of elected officials, members of public boards and commissions and their agents, and governmental employees in situations where conflicts might or do exist.

(b)

It is the policy and purpose of this article to implement these objectives of protecting the integrity of the government of the city by prescribing essential restrictions against conflicts of interest in government without creating unnecessary barriers to public service. To this end, the city council, acting under and pursuant to authority of the council to adopt an ordinance in the general public interest, and for the protection and promotion of the general welfare of this city, has ordained that there be established a code of ethics for the government of this city.

(Ord. No. 1204, § I, 9-18-84)