By James Wickman
On behalf of the Ethics Committee, I recently posted a message about this topic to the listserv and spoke about it at the Summer Workshop. I am sorry to be repetitive. This is an important message and one that is misunderstood too often.
The election season is in full swing. Here are some reminders for this hectic season. Due to the nature of our roles, we are inevitably asked to plug into someone’s campaign. Some of those invitations can even be flattering. It is because of our roles that we must politely decline.
Tenet 7 of the ICMA Code of Ethics states, “Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators.” The accompanying Guidelines (excerpted below) are even more edifying. They require no explanation and leave no room for situational interpretation. It does not matter if it is for a friend or a spouse, or if it is for a nonpartisan school board or village dog catcher three states over.
• …shall not run for elected office or become involved in political activities related to running for elected office…
• …shall not seek political endorsements, financial contributions or engage in other campaign activities…
• …shall not participate in political activities to support the candidacy of individuals running for any…
• …shall not endorse candidates, make financial contributions, sign or circulate petitions, or participate in fund-raising activities…
Let us know if you have any questions. We are always happy to help our colleagues understand the importance of professional conduct and how to promote it.
James Wickman, ICMA-CM
Township Manager, Hartland Township
Chair, MME Ethics Committee
James Wickman has been the Hartland Township Manager since 2007, and was previously Village Manager of Mayville. He started his professional career as a police officer with Pittsfield Township. You may reach him at 810-632-7498 or jwickman@hartlandtwp.com.