City of Santa Clara Code of Ethics and Values Draft

The City of Santa Clara is dedicated to personal and civic excellence and seeks to advance the common good of its citizens. Individuals who choose to participate in the activities of this city are obligated to observe the highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their offices regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the common good must be their primary concern. Elected officials, city employees, Board and Commission members, and other volunteers commit themselves to the highest levels of achievement in following this code of ethics and values, and practicing the virtues on which it is built.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will practice Ethical behavior.

I will be trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and moral courage.

I will be truthful, do what I say I will do, and be dependable.

I will be impartial.

I will treat all people fairly, holding equal people to the same standards.

I will not take bribes or unlawful gifts

I will avoid financial or other personal interests that would impair my independence of judgment or action in the performance of my official duties.

I will extend equal opportunities and due process to all parties in matters under adjudication. If I engage in unilateral meetings and discussions, I will do so without making voting commitments, and only for clearly-stated informational purposes, and will seek alternative ways to gather information.

I will maintain as confidential, information gained from Closed Executive Session or confidential personnel issues and decisions.

As an elected official, a member of the Council, or an appointed Board or Commission member, I will use my title to support a political candidate or measure only if I indicate that the title is "for identification purposes only".

As a city employee, I will use my title only when conducting official city business or for informational purposes only and in no case should I use my title to advance personal or political interests.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will act in a Professional manner.

I will apply my knowledge and expertise to my assigned activity and to the interpersonal relationships that are part of my job in a consistent, confident, and competent manner.

I will be productive and approach my job and work-related relationships energetically.

I will be a good listener, carefully considering all opinions, and not be divisive and confrontational.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Organized.

I will act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts, taking into consideration short and long term goals, following through in a responsible way, keeping others informed and responding in a timely fashion.

I will accomplish goals while following rules and established procedures.

I will be informed, reliable, and respectful of setting and meeting deadlines.

I will do thorough research and be open to obtaining all the facts.

I will avoid procrastination, indecisiveness, and the generating of incomplete or inaccurate work.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Fiscally Responsible.

I will demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets (e.g., personnel, time, property, equipment, funds).

I will make reasoned financial decisions that seek to ensure financial stability for the City.

I will make decisions after prudent consideration of their financial impact, taking into account the long-term financial needs of the City.

I will make good financial decisions that seek to preserve programs and services for City residents;

I will not use City funds for improper or frivolous purposes.

I will not use city-owned vehicles, equipment, computers, materials or property for personal convenience or profit, except when such services are available to the public generally or are provided as municipal policy for the conduct of official business.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Communicative.

I will engage in effective two-way communication, by listening carefully, asking questions, and determining an appropriate response.

I will be attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues of others .

I will not be judgmental or unwilling to participate in dialog.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Service-Oriented.

I will be customer-centered, providing friendly, receptive, courteous service to everyone.

I will exhibit an approachable attitude, conveying the City's commitment to its citizens and generating citizen confidence.

In my interactions with constituents, I will be interested, engaged, positive, and optimistic.

I will provide requested information, be responsive, and available.

I will not be curt, act in an abrupt manner, or be withdrawn and angry.

I will not exhibit disruptive or incendiary speech.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Collaborative.

I will act in a cooperative manner with groups and other individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding.

I will work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions.

I will be aware of regional presence and the importance of considering broader implications of issues.

I will be flexible and open-minded.

I will not yield to pressure from narrowly focused special interest groups at the expense of the overall good of the City.

As a Representative of the City of Santa Clara, I will be Progressive.

I will exhibit a proactive, innovative approach to setting goals and conducting the City's business.

I will develop a style that is sensitive to the need for compromise and consensus-building while maintaining consistent standards; balanced by a willingness to engage in intelligent and thoughtful risk-taking in order to forward the City's policy agenda.

I will not exceed or appear to exceed my authority or breach the law or ask others to do so.

I will work in full cooperation with other public officials and employees unless prohibited from doing so by law or by officially recognized confidentiality of my work.

To provide government which is responsive, progressive and inclusive

To ensure financial health and stability through long-term planning

To promote community pride and involvement

Increase utilization of technology in serving our unique community with special emphasis on communication technology

Develop a Business District and Downtown Revitalization Strategy

Ensure Financial Health and Stability through responsible short and long term planning: Implement Electric Deregulation Strategies; Evaluate investment portfolio and reserve policies; review and develop strategy for enhanced revenue streams; audit Clean-up Campaign and other subsidized programs; schedule outside audits of City Departments