Online Ethics Course
The TCMA Ethics Committee recently reviewed and updated the online ethics course. The course is now available free of charge to current members and those applying for new membership status. If you are a Full or Associate member, and have not completed the required two hours of ethics training, the online course can be completed to fulfill the requirement. In addition, the TCMA Board encourages all members to take advantage of other quality ethics training at TCMA educational events and regional trainings. To view the new course, please click here.
TCMA Code of Ethics Tenet 7
In 2013, ICMA began a review process for each Tenet of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Code of Ethics. A review of Tenet 7 led the way as the first to review. At its September 20, 2013 meeting, the ICMA Executive Board voted to retain the existing language of Tenet 7, update the language in the existing guidelines, and add a guideline on advocacy of issues of personal interest. The TCMA Board adopted these changes for the TCMA Code of Ethics at their January 31, 2014 meeting. Tenet 7 and the updated language including the new guideline for “Personal Advocacy of Issues” are provided here for your viewing. The view the entire Code of Ethics, please click here. If you have questions, please contact Karen Daly, TCMA Ethics Chair at [email protected] or 512-759-4030.
Tenet 7. Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body.
Guidelines
Elections of the Governing Body. Members should maintain a reputation for serving equally and impartially all members of the governing body of the local government they serve, regardless of party. To this end, they should not participate in an election campaign on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for the governing body.
Elections of Elected Executives. Members shall not participate in the election campaign of any candidate for mayor or elected county executive.
Elections. Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to vote. However, in order not to impair their effectiveness on behalf of the local governments they serve, they should not participate in political activities to support the candidacy of individuals running for any city, county, special district, school, state or federal offices. Specifically, they shall not endorse candidates, make financial contributions, sign or circulate petitions, or participate in fund-raising activities for individuals seeking or holding elected office.
Running for Office. Members shall not run for elected office or become involved in political activities related to running for elected office, or accept appointment to an elected office. They shall not seek political endorsements, financial contributions or engage in other campaign activities.
Elections relating to the Form of Government. Members may assist in preparing and presenting materials that explain the form of government to the public prior to an election on the use of the plan. If assistance is required by another community, members may respond.
Presentation of Issues. Members may assist their governing body in the presentation of issues involved in referenda such as bond issues, annexations, and other matters that affect the government entity’s operations and/or fiscal capacity.
Personal Advocacy of Issues. Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to voice their opinion on public issues. Members may advocate for issues of personal interest only when doing so does not conflict with the performance of their official duties.