By Daryl J. Delabbio
The Benefits of Staying Involved
“Just when I thought I was out … they pull me back in.”
Michael Corleone (The Godfather, Part III)
This was my first reaction when I was asked to chair the Ethics Committee. I was hesitant because I know there are many qualified individuals who have served, and could serve, in this position. But I have always felt it important to give back to our profession. And sometimes, it’s nice to know that you can still contribute, even in retirement.
I served in local government for 40 years and know that there is great value in staying involved in our professional associations. I’ve always been a strong proponent of lifelong learning and continuous education. During the past year, I learned a lot about myself and about the MME. But the biggest benefit was re-connecting with some old friends/colleagues and getting to know some new ones. It’s always about the relationships and connections we make that adds value to our endeavors.
And YOUR Ethics Committee has been dedicated and thoughtful in its deliberations. This past year, the Committee:
- Met via Zoom three times.
- Reviewed five individuals to be placed on Interim Manager list.
- Investigated/corresponded with several individuals referred to the Committee for potential violations of the ICMA Code of Ethics. Because of the confidentiality of the process, this report cannot identify those individuals. Fortunately, the issues were minor and were resolved without the Committee having to take any formal action.
- Planned and presented a General Session panel discussion at the 2023 Summer Workshop and secured a General Session speaker for the upcoming 2024 Mid-Winter Institute.
I would like to thank the Ethics Committee, all of whom served the MME with dedication and professionalism:
Juan Ganum, Bridgman, Vice Chair
Todd Campbell, Clinton County
Brian Chapman, Sault Ste. Marie
Mitch Foster, Ludington
Mark Meyers, Norton Shores
David Murphy, Farmington
Jim Wagner, Retired
Tim Wolff, Lake Isabella
It was a genuine pleasure (personally and professionally) to serve with them and I look forward to working with incoming Chair Juan Ganum and the other Committee members in 2024.
Daryl J. Delabbio
Chair, Ethics Committee
Retired Municipal Manager
Daryl Delabbio spent 40 years in local government leadership. From September 1998 until his retirement in July 2017, he served as county administrator/controller for Kent County, Michigan. From September 1995 to September 1998 he was assistant county administrator. Prior to coming to Kent County, Daryl was city manager of Rockford, Michigan for 11 years, and held administrative positions with two other Michigan communities from 1977 to 1984. Throughout his career, Daryl also served as an adjunct faculty member in both graduate and undergraduate programs at Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, and Wayne State University. He holds a BA in political science and a Master of Management from Aquinas College, a Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. Daryl was active in numerous professional organizations, including the International City/County Management Association (executive board – midwest regional vice president, 2014-2017), the Michigan Municipal Executives (president, 2001), and the Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers (president, 2008-2010). Daryl can be reached at djdelabbio@gmail.com.