Aerris Managing Solutions:
The revised Municipal Government Act (MGA) is requiring that all municipal councils have a Code of Conduct that represents a commitment by each member to conduct themselves in a certain way. What would you include in the City of Lethbridge Code of Conduct for your council?
A
Burke
Answer
Building off of the current Council’s Code of Conduct, which presently holds Council accountable for confidentiality, conflict of interest, and personal gain, I would also add a line or two about Council having to conduct themselves in such a way that represents the best interests of their citizens, and that Council will make themselves available to the citizens, within reason.
C
Burrows-Johnson
Answer
I would ask the City of Lethbridge to consider the guidelines of other corporations. Following a Code of Conduct supports and promotes ethical behavior and decision making. The goal of such a code is to provide a respectful and safe workplace. I would expect that the members of our Council would understand and observe the code and act with integrity in our relationships. The City of Lethbridge is guided by the Freedom of Information Act which protects the privacy of our employees, community and business partners, along with any confidential information, while being open and transparent on community issues.
M
Campbell
Answer
It may be cliché and simple but "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Have respect for everyone who is a peer on council and treat every person who approaches you with a question or concern equally. Be polite. And if you're going to tweet something out maybe it's a good idea to write it. Read it. Think about what you wrote for 5 minutes and if you feel it's still appropriate, only then can you hit send.
J
Carlson
Answer
As Chair of our Open and Effective Government committee, I have a draft of a new Code of Conduct Policy ready to bring before Council. It includes the standard legal and ethical guidelines, but will also cover items such as Social Media, Gifting, how Council will(should) work together, how Council interacts with members of the Public, and possible sanctions that may be imposed for breaches of the policy. While not part of the Code of Conduct, there should also be references to diversity and inclusivity training for all of Council.
J
Coffman
Answer
I would include: a) Members* will respect the diverse opinions within the community; b) Members will respect the diverse opinions of all Members of Council; c) Members will understand that each Member brings a different style of Representation and a unique Constituency to Council; d). Members must know the sections of the MGA applicable to Council governance, the role of Councillor and Mayor, conflict of interest and the role of the City Manager (CAO); e) Members must become generally familiar with sections of the MGA applicable to budgets, land use and taxation. (*Members means Councillors and Mayor)
B
Crowson
Answer
Lethbridge City Councillors will: - act in the best interest of Lethbridge and its residents and not in their own personal interests - behave in a respectful manner towards their colleagues, residents and all those with whom they interact - show respect for all cultures and work to build and sustain relationships - maintain confidentiality - work hard; research, read and inform themselves on matters before Council; attend meetings regularly and commit to doing their job well and faithfully
C
Germshied
Answer
I think accountability to the voters is important. When acting on behalf of the city our actions should be in line with our goals for the city. We are not in this position for our gain but for the city's benefit. Honesty should be important as one lure just leads to more. Even if the truth may not color me in the best light at times, it is ultimately good for the city in order to move forward.
Z
Gibb
Answer
City councillors should behave with dignity and treat each other, and members of the community with respect. Just because you agree or disagree with someone's views does not give you the right to demean or belittle them whether they are your colleague or a citizen with a concern. Councillors represent the community and there is certainly a particular decorum to fulfill with this role. I would address this issue in any revisions to a code of conduct.
B
Ginther
Answer
The simple answer is utilizing common sense which is far from common in our era... but added to that is respect and acceptance of people from ALL walk of life resulting in no discrimination regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc. To conduct oneself in a professional manner with honesty in everything a counselor says or does and lastly be an advocate for all people groups within our city.
M
Heavy Head
Answer
I would like the council to be completely accessible in every way, and already they can be reached by email and other common methods of communication. However; accessibility also means being publicly visible. For me, this means that the entirety of council should use public transit as much as possible, when in the city. For the years I've used the public transit system in Lethbridge, I have not once seen a member of council ride the bus, though some have claimed they do. Many families have no choice but to use public transit; and many like myself also choose to use public transit, as the concept aligns with my values. Code of conduct is not simply limited to "professional behaviour."
R
Hoffarth
Answer
Broadly speaking members of the City Council must act to advance the common good of all the citizens of Lethbridge. Each Councilor must act to represent our municipality and to perform their functions faithfully and impartially to the best of their knowledge and abilities. We should expect Councilors to exhibit the core values of: honesty (open and truthful); integrity (interests of the city have priority over interests of private individuals); objectivity (base decisions after a careful and fair analysis); accountability (to each other and the public); and leadership (confront challenges and provide direction on the issues that affect Lethbridge). Refer to www.unsm.ca for details.
B
Hyggen
Answer
I would include a strong ethics plan. As representatives of the City of Lethbridge, I feel that Councillors should conduct themselves in a way that best represents our community.
L
Iwaskiw
Answer
Apart from the already clearly laid out rules against financial conflicts of interest, that council members interact with each other, and members of the administration, in a respectful manner. Unfortunately this is difficult to codify and even more difficult to enforce.
R
Janzen
Answer
Candidate declined to answer the question.
K
Layton
Answer
Candidate declined to answer the question.
S
MacLeod
Answer
It is critical to have respect for each other. Lethbridge has a strong heritage as a melting pot of many cultures. As we near 100,000 people - we must be respectful of people that come to Lethbridge to live, work, or play.
J
Mauro
Answer
There is nothing I would add to the existing code of conduct.
D
Mikuliak
Answer
As an individual who holds an elected position, there are expectations regarding professional conduct. Such Codes of Conduct are commonplace in many professions. Most items within such codes are truly common sense. Items that clearly are included relate to positive, fair and considerate treatment of co-workers and constituents; an inclusive and supportive view of all members of society regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or age; and a clear sense of responsibility regarding occupational duties - including being a positive public ambassador/role model for our community.
R
Miyashiro
Answer
The revised Municipal Government Act (MGA) includes a regulation for Code of Conduct for Elected Officials. Once the MGA is in force, municipalities will use the code of conduct in the regulations...which may include enforcement measures. Hopefully the regulations will cover: - Written communication with public and within Council (non-abusive, non-threatening, non-discriminatory, appropriate for age/sex/gender/ethnicity of person/group communicating with); - Verbal communication guidelines as above; - Behavior in a public setting, as above; - Clear acceptable use of social media; - Clearly outline behaviors/interactions that would put Council in disrepute
R
Morrell
Answer
Always respect for people no matter their opinions. Listen to the people of Lethbridge as they are our bosses. Work hard at health, safety and environmental protection. Fight corruption and fraud and always promotion financial transparency. Upholding human rights for each and every Lethbridge citizen.
N
Paladino
Answer
Transparency. I think the new Council needs to conduct more of its business during regular meetings rather that in-camera.
R
Parker
Answer
To continue with respect for other council members values and perspectives. Understanding that each member of Council brings value to the decision making process. By doing so, it supports council as a whole in making well thought out decisions.
H
PEREVERSEFF
Answer
1- Councillors, during session, are to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner. 2- Councillors are to refrain from "cat calling" and/or interrupting fellow council members. 3- Councillors are to display a non-partisan position 4- Councillors are to respect "rules of order" during session. 5- Councillors are to declare any potential conflict of interest (perceived or otherwise) and for the Chair/Mayor along with the majority of Councillors, to determine whether a conflict exists. 6- Councillors will attend sessions unless there are legitimate reason for absence. (Vacation, medical, court and bereavement, being recognized as major legitimate reasons for absence.)
J
Pogorzelski
Answer
Our councilors need to be aware they are always in the public eye. I would include a code of conduct that prevents city councilors from directly calling out city employees. As the city manager is council's only employee, the city manager is the only one who should be called out for irrational behaviour. Any city staff should only have to receive criticism from Sr management. I would also include ensuring conflicts of interest are noted and that any councilor must identify a conflict before carrying out any votes.
L
Saloff
Answer
Adher to council values, which should be respect, transparency, inclusion, honesty, and trust.
J
Shackleford
Answer
Being accountable for how you spend money as a city councillor is paramount. You are paid by tax dollars and people want to know you use it properly and for the job you were elected to do. Mayor and council are the "face of our city" and you must conduct yourself accordingly. Attending council meetings, sub committee meetings and any other assignment you are involved in is accountability. Being at City Hall or public events you are suppose to be at is part of your job and there is an expectation so act accordingly.
C
Spearman
Answer
City Council policy CC8 "Ethical Guidelines of Conduct for Members of Coumcil" currently exists. It requires updating. Pecuniary interest whereby elected councillors, or their close family members, could benefit financially from decisions of council should be included. Also access to confidential or releasing confidential information must be included for the same reasons. It should be noted that violations could include forced resignation and a ban from future eligibility are the penalties under the provincial regulation.
J
Takahashi
Answer
Our current code of conduct is too vague. Words such as refrain, abstain, and avoid are too flexible to have any teeth- especially in regards to confidential information and personal financial gain. It is of the utmost importance that our elected officials hold themselves to a higher standard and that our code of conduct be iron clad. In this digital age it is pertinent to have policies regarding social media behaviors. There must be steps in place to manage internet misuse- be it racism, drunken tweets, or any number of embarrassing behaviors.
B
Thurber
Answer
- as an engineer i believe we should hold public safety / interest as paramount - mutual respect - everyone gets to speak / everyone listens - rules for conducting meetings. - rules surrounding conduct outside of council
S
Watson
Answer
I believe the draft guidelines for a code of conduct as laid out by the MGA is already quite comprehensive. I like that some disciplinary actions are laid out as it holds councillors accountable for their actions. I would like to see the inclusion of a non-partisan, external committee responsible for ensuring elected officials follow these guidelines and that there is a safe process in place for those coming forward to report a concern.
D
Wiggers
Answer
It is always important for any type of leader to do so by example. The CoC for the City must include that members should exude honour and professionalism in everything they do. Common morals and virtues are the backbone of our society and council must uphold the same. That everyone is treated equally regardless of race, religion, creed or sex, which includes sexual orientation or identity.
R
Woss
Answer
I will advocate for inclusiveness where 6 values are encouraged: RESPECT - Responsibility to each other and the public; Empathy and understanding for each other; an environment of Safety, Positive Attitude, Excellence, Caring and Teamwork. We must work as a team for the betterment of the community.