Rules of Conduct for Council Members and Administration
Accountability requires the Public’s involvement.
The council has established rules of conduct for residents attending meetings, yet no similar guidelines exist for council members or the administration. Seeing as they work for us, The Gloucester Township Observer has developed a list of expected behaviors and standards for council members and administrators. These rules serve as a framework for the public to evaluate their performance. After all, what job exists without expectations for conduct and performance?
For council members and the mayor, the public can use the findings of the annual review to inform their decisions at the ballot box. While the public cannot vote out appointed officials, this annual review will hold them to high standards of performance by shining a light on their actions
Rules of Conduct
1. Professionalism and Respect
- Treat all individuals—whether residents, staff, or colleagues—with respect and courtesy.
- Avoid personal attacks, disruptive behavior, or inappropriate language in meetings, correspondence, or public forums.
2. Compliance with Laws and Policies
- Adhere to all laws, regulations, and township policies when performing official duties.
- Abstain from illegal or unethical activities, including fraud, bribery, and misuse of township resources.
3. Conflicts of Interest
- Disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest that could impact impartial decision-making.
- Recuse oneself from discussions and votes where personal, financial, or family interests could influence outcomes.
4. Fiscal Responsibility
- Exercise care and diligence in managing taxpayer funds, ensuring expenditures are justified and beneficial to the community.
- Avoid favoritism in awarding contracts, employment opportunities, or township resources.
5. Transparency and Open Communication
- Provide honest and timely information to the public about township affairs.
- Refrain from withholding or misrepresenting facts that are essential for public understanding and engagement.
6. Engagement with the Community
- Attend meetings regularly, prepared to deliberate and make informed decisions.
- Actively seek input from residents and prioritize their concerns in decision-making.
- Ensure public participation is respected and all voices are heard during meetings.
7. Ethics and Training
- Participate in ethics training to stay informed about responsibilities and best practices in governance.
- Report any unethical behavior or violations of these standards to the appropriate oversight body.
8. Use of Public Resources
- Utilize township resources exclusively for official purposes, avoiding misuse for personal gain or political campaigns.
- Ensure that all resources, including facilities, funds, and staff time, are used efficiently and transparently.
Public Oversight
Council members and administrators must recognize that their performance will be measured and evaluated by the public they serve. We consent to being governed. We do not consent to being ruled. We will protect our rights and freedoms.