To be clear, it is not. Yes, the committee’s work does happen in private so that the confidentiality of the process is maintained. But without breaching that confidentiality, the results of the committee’s work is reported to the ICMA Executive Board and to ICMA members.

Annual reports also outline the cases, and the results are posted on ICMA’s website. Notices of private and public censures—details only, no names—are shared with members.

But it’s a rare moment when the committee members are front and center with ICMA members to share their thoughts and field questions. What better source to hear from than your peers? City and county managers and assistants, working in and outside the United States, sit on the committee. They adjudicate ethics cases, opine on unusual dilemmas, and work to ensure that the tenets and guidelines are clear and relevant to the members.

Here are some great takeaways from the conference session conversation.

Ideals that Deliver on Democracy. For Jane Brautigam, city manager of Boulder, Colorado, and current chair of the committee, the Code is about the idea of delivering on democracy. Jane observed that frequently individuals have specific ethics questions and want to know, can I do this under the Code or not? It’s understandable that the urgency of the moment narrows the focus.

Taking a more expansive view, the focus for Jane is on the ideals of the Code and the ideals of democracy. As she shared with the audience, “I love the phrase ‘delivering on democracy.’ I honestly think about this every day.

Because every day I try to send an e-mail thanking someone for making a positive difference in the community that I serve. I get my inspiration from the ICMA Code of Ethics, which says above all else, we are serving the public, and that is one of the highest callings we can possibly have.”

Protecting the Democracy. Challenging work with high stakes and an abundance of power frame the ethical obligation for Rod Gould, who recently retired after serving as city manager in four California cities. As Rod noted, there are a lot of different professions and ways to make a living in this world. Those who choose local government aim a little bit higher in their aspirations. They want to build safe, livable, and sustainable communities. And the stakes are high for those who aspire to do this work.

From Rod’s perspective, what is at stake is far more than just building communities. It is about safeguarding and protecting democracy. While not often talked about, managers and assistants are afforded an abundance of power in their positions. As they wield that power to achieve results, Rod reminded the audience of the words of wisdom from Plato, the first city manager of Greece:

“In a republic that honors the core of democracy—the greatest amount of power is given to those called guardians. Only those with the most impeccable character are chosen to bear the responsibility of protecting the democracy.”

The ICMA Code of Ethics is our common commitment to do just that.

The Pink Floyd Factor. Lofty ideals and aspirations often brush up against the reality of managing one’s choices. Why do some well-intentioned people make unethical choices? Why do others ignore the ethical standard laid out in ICMA’s Code?

For Stephen Parry, chief executive for the Gore District Council, New Zealand, the succinct answer can be found in the title of Pink Floyd’s thirteenth album: “A Momentary Lapse of Reason.” As Stephen shared with the audience, the committee often deals with situations “where someone has had a brain explosion and taken some regretful action that has had long-term consequences to their reputation that the person now has to try to manage.”

Absent the “brain explosion,” others may simply find following the ICMA Code of Ethics inconvenient. Stephen reminded attendees: “If it is inconvenient, it is only for the short term. It has long-term positive consequences. The Code has a noble history, and it exudes wisdom. The Code of Ethics has your best interests at heart. If you stick by the code you will be a trusted professional, you will sleep well at night.”

In closing, he also encouraged members to seek advice. “The committee is impressed by the number of members who elect to confer in confidence with staff. That is a service you should use. And there is the old saying: If in doubt, you probably shouldn’t do it.”

Next: Committee Advice

This is part one of a two-part series. To learn more about the committee’s advice on how best to follow the Code and members’ responses to questions posed by the audience, read next month’s Ethics Matter! department.