§ 2.08.010. Purpose and policy.

A.

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to set minimum standards for the conduct of Annapolis government business and to assure the citizens of the City that they may have the highest trust in their public officials and employees and that the impartiality and independent judgment of their public officials and employees will be maintained without improper or even the appearance of improper influence. To guard against improper influence it is required that all City officials and employees maintain the highest ethical standards in conducting City business and that select City officials and employees disclose their financial affairs as provided in Sections 2.08.050, 2.08.051, and 2.08.052.

B.

Policy. It is the policy of the City Council that officials and employees be independent, impartial, and responsive to the public whom they represent and serve; that public office or position not be used to advance personal gain; and that lobbyist actions shall not present a conflict of interest or interfere with the duties of officials and employees. recognizing these principles, the City Council declares that it is the policy of the City, in enacting these provisions, that:

1.

Officials and employees shall not engage in any business or transaction or have a financial interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the proper discharge of their duties or would appear to impair independence of judgment or action in the performance of their duties.

2.

Elected and designated officials and employees, and candidates for public office, shall disclose fully their financial interests in order to ensure that such interests present no conflict with their duties.

3.

Officials and employees shall not engage in any activity or participate in any transaction which would create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest in the exercise of their public or official duties.

4.

Persons who seek to influence officials, agencies or employees in the performance of their official duties have an obligation to register with the City as lobbyists and to disclose information as to their lobbying activities to assure their conduct does not result in a conflict of interest or interfere with the duties of officials and employees.

(Ord. No. O-41-12 Amended, § I, 6-10-2013, eff. 1-1-2014)