Chapter 7 – Career Options in Local Government Management
7.15 Local Government Ethics
As you explore your options, consider this important question: Can you live up to the ethical standards expected of a public servant? Can you do it everyday, day in and day out.
Ethics in this profession refers to the moral standards that guide the behavior of individuals working in government. Ethical behavior is essential because it fosters trust between local government managers and the citizens they serve. Without trust, public support and cooperation diminish, making it difficult for governments to function effectively.
Public administrators often face various ethical challenges that require careful navigation to maintain integrity.
One common ethical problem is conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when a public official’s personal interests could improperly influence their professional decisions. This can include financial interests, relationships, or other personal considerations. It is essential for public administrators to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest but also the appearance of such conflicts. By doing so, they ensure that their decisions are made solely based on the public good, thereby maintaining public trust.
Conflict of Interest: A Cleveland Case
An illustrative example of a conflict of interest in Northeast Ohio involves former Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman. Between 2002 and 2016, Cimperman participated in council votes that awarded city contracts to ParkWorks and LAND Studio, organizations where his wife was employed. This involvement led to charges by the Ohio Ethics Commission, as state law prohibits public officials from authorizing contracts in which they or their family members have a vested interest. Cimperman did not contest the charges in 2018, resulting in a $10,000 fine and community service. This case underscores the importance for public administrators to avoid both actual and perceived conflicts of interest to maintain public trust.
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Another significant ethical issue is the misuse of public resources. This involves using government funds, equipment, or supplies for personal gain or unauthorized purposes. Examples include falsifying timesheets, using government vehicles for personal errands, or using office supplies for private projects. Misuse of public resources undermines the efficiency and integrity of public institutions. Local government managers must be vigilant in using resources responsibly and ensure that all actions are transparent and accountable to prevent abuse.
Lack of transparency is another major ethical challenge that can damage public trust. This issue arises when public officials do not provide clear, accessible information about their decision-making processes. Without transparency, the public cannot hold officials accountable for their actions, leading to suspicion and loss of confidence in government operations. Public administrators should strive to make their processes as open and transparent as possible, ensuring that their decisions are well-documented and available for public scrutiny.
Issues like pay-to-play and favoritism further complicate ethical governance. Pay-to-play involves situations where individuals or organizations make contributions to public officials in exchange for favorable treatment or access to decision-makers. Favoritism occurs when officials give preferential treatment to friends, family, or certain groups over others, regardless of merit. These practices erode public confidence and create an unfair environment. Public administrators must avoid any behavior that could be perceived as biased or corrupt and uphold fairness and impartiality in all their dealings.
