ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF DOUGLAS

1. PRINCIPLE THAT THE PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST. Public servants shall treat public office as a public trust, using the powers and resources of public office only to advance public interests, and not to attain personal benefits or pursue any private interest incompatible with the public good.

2. PRINCIPLE OF INDEPENDENT, OBJECTIVE JUDGMENT. Public servants shall employ independent, objective judgment in performing their duties, deciding all matters on the merits, free from conflicts of interest and apparent improper influences.

3. PRINCIPLE OF ACCOUNTABILITY. Public servants shall assure that government is conducted openly, efficiently, equitably and honorably in a manner that permits the citizenry to make informed judgments and to hold government officials accountable.

4. PRINCIPLE OF DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP. Public servants shall honor and respect the principles and spirit of representative democracy and set a positive example of good citizenship by scrupulously observing the letter and spirit of laws and rules.

5. PRINCIPLE OF RESPECTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. Public servants shall safeguard public confidence in the integrity of government by being honest, fair, caring, and respectful, and by avoiding conduct which creates the appearance of impropriety.