CC 11-07-23 Item No. 13 Code of Ethics and Conduct_Written CommunicationsCC 11-7-2023
Written Communications
Item No. 13
Adoption of Code of
Ethics and Conduct
for Elected and
Appointed Officials
From:Debbie Timmers
To:City Council
Subject:Written Communications Nov 7 CC Meeting, Item 13
Date:Tuesday, November 7, 2023 2:45:07 PM
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Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and fellow Councilmembers,
I support the adoption of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials,
which is Item 13 on the agenda tonight. While none of us enjoy having our actions pointed
out, especially in a public forum, it really does help us perform better, if we buck up and are
willing to change. I can attest to that in my own work experience. I know it does take courage.
The Grand Jury Report made real findings and so did independent counsel, Linda Daube, Esq.
The City Council wasn’t under scrutiny for “asking questions”—it was under scrutiny for
violating its own Municipal Code. It was under scrutiny for individually directing the activities
of staff outside of council meetings in contravention of our form of government. The City’s
internal auditor, Moss Adams LLP, corroborated that as well.
Don’t we want to have the best-in-class local government working for its citizens efficiently
and without a lot of unhelpful micro-managing? Let’s be better and improve our ways. Each
of us has things to work on. Let's show true courage and begin that today.
I recommend that the Council adopt the draft resolution for the revised Ethics Code and
rescinding the 2020 Ethics Policy.
Sincerely,
Debra Timmers