| Code of Ethics & Values |
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Santa Clara's Code of Ethics & Values, adopted by the
City Council in March of 2000 and modified by Council in
August of 2001, is designed to provide clear, positive statements
of ethical behavior reflecting the core values of the community.
The Code includes practical strategies for addressing ethical
questions and a useful framework for decision-making and
handling the day-to-day operations of the municipality.
The current Code of Ethics & Values was developed in
1999 by a Committee composed of three elected officials,
nine City commissioners, two community members, the City
Manager and the City Attorney. A previous Code was adopted
in the 1960s and periodically updated, but the Committee
took a fresh approach by working with the Markkula
Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
to create a new Code of Ethics & Values for the City
that would better reflect the issues and concerns of today's
complex and diverse society.
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| Goals of the Code of Ethics & Values |
- To make Santa Clara a better community, built on mutual
respect and trust
- To promote and maintain the highest standards of personal
and professional conduct among all involved in City government
- elected officials, City staff, volunteers, and members
of the City's boards, commissions and committees
The Code of Ethics & Values is a touchstone for members
of boards, commissions and committees in fulfilling their
roles and responsibilities.
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| Preamble |
| The proper operation of democratic government
requires that decision-makers be independent, impartial, and
accountable to the people they serve. The City of Santa Clara
has adopted this Code of Ethics & Values to promote and
maintain the highest standards of personal and professional
conduct in the City's government. All elected and appointed
officials, City employees, volunteers, and others who participate
in the city's government are required to subscribe to this Code,
understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities,
and practice its eight core values in their work. Because we
seek public confidence in the City's services and public trust
of its decision-makers, our decisions and our work must meet
the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest
levels of achievement in following this code. |
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| 1. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be ethical. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I am trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and
moral courage.
b. I am truthful, do what I say I will do, and am dependable.
c. I make impartial decisions, free of bribes, unlawful
gifts, narrow political interests, and financial and other
personal interests that impair my independence of judgment
or action.
d. I am fair, distributing benefits and burdens according
to consistent and equitable criteria.
e. I extend equal opportunities and due process to all parties
in matters under consideration. If I engage in unilateral
meetings and discussions, I do so without making voting
decisions.
f. I show respect for persons, confidences, and information
designated as "confidential."
g. I use my title(s) only when conducting official City
business, for information purposes, or as an indication
of background and expertise, carefully considering whether
I am exceeding or appearing to exceed my authority.
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| 2. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be professional. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I apply my knowledge and expertise to my assigned activities
and to the interpersonal relationships that are part of
my job in a consistent, confident, competent, and productive
manner.
b. I approach my job and work-related relationships with
a positive attitude.
c. I keep my professional knowledge and skills current and
growing.
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| 3. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be service-oriented. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I provide friendly, receptive, courteous service to
everyone.
b . I am attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues
of citizens, public officials, and city workers.
c. In my interactions with constituents, I am interested,
engaged, and responsive.
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| 4. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be fiscally responsible. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I make decisions after prudent consideration of their
financial impact, taking into account the long-term financial
needs of the City, especially its financial stability.
b. I demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets
(e.g., personnel, time, property, equipment, funds) and
follow established procedures.
c. I make good financial decisions that seek to preserve
programs and services for City residents.
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| 5. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be organized. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations
based upon research and facts, taking into consideration
short and long term goals.
b. I follow through in a responsible way, keeping others
informed, and responding in a timely fashion.
c. I am respectful of established City processes and guidelines.
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| 6. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be communicative. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I convey the City's care for and commitment to its citizens.
b. I communicate in various ways that I am approachable,
open-minded and willing to participate in dialog.
c. I engage in effective two-way communication, by listening
carefully, asking questions, and determining an appropriate
response which adds value to conversations.
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| 7. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be collaborative. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I act in a cooperative manner with groups and other
individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and
understanding.
b. I work towards consensus building and gain value from
diverse opinions.
c. I accomplish the goals and responsibilities of my individual
position, while respecting my role as a member of a team.
d. I consider the broader regional and State-wide implications
of the City's decisions and issues.
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| 8. As a Representative of the City of Santa
Clara, I will be progressive. |
| In practice, this value looks like: |
a. I exhibit a proactive, innovative approach to setting
goals and conducting the City's business.
b. I display a style that maintains consistent standards,
but is also sensitive to the need for compromise, "thinking
outside the box," and improving existing paradigms
when necessary.
c. I promote intelligent and thoughtful innovation in order
to forward the City's policy agenda and City services.
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