Values and ethics

My values start with transparency.  I have long been a proponent of open and fair government.  In my daily work, I strive to be open, accessible, and fair to all stakeholders in our community. Transparency ensures the members of our community have a clear view of what decisions are being made, and how they're being made.

I understand that ultimately, I am responsible for the decisions that I make and the respective consequences.   Accountability is important for the integrity and professionalism of local government.  As public service employees, we are accountable to the taxpayers of our communities.  

Equity is important to ensure that residents not only have a fair shot at receiving services but a fair shot at participating in the decision-making process.  Government operates for the benefit of the entire community.

I lead where I'm at.  Leadership is an important value for public service employees at any level of government.  I am guided by a code of ethics and values that help with my decisions and actions.  Right is right, and inspiring others to do right and good whether they're above or below me in the organizational chart is an important value that helps others achieve their best.

I have chosen to follow the ILCMA Code of Ethics as my standard and benchmark for professional ethics.  As I member of ILCMA, I am expected to uphold the principles of its Code of Ethics "in order to merit the trust of the public, elected officials, and staff they serve."

During my PSPA 600: Introduction to Public Service graduate course at Northern Illinois University, I was assigned to compare and contrast two professional organizational ethics codes, then write with one I am adopting as my guide for public service.  

PSPA 600 Ethics Statement Paper

• Illinois City/County Management Association