Code ofEthics for the Board of Commissioners of Craven, North Carolina PREAMBLE  WHEREAS, the Constitution ofNorth Carolina, Article 1, Section 35, reminds us that a "frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is absolutely necessary to preserve  the blessings of liberty," and  WHEREAS, a spirit of! honesty and forthrightness is reflected in North Carolina's WHEREAS, Section 160A-86 ofthel North Carolina General Statutes requires WHEREAS, as public officials we are charged with upholding the trust ofthe NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of our blessings and obligations as citizens ofthe State of North Carolina and as public officials representing the citizens ofCraven County, and acting pursuant to the requirements of Section 160A-86 ofthe North Carolina General Statutes, we thel Board ofCommissioners do hereby adopt the following General Principles ofCode ofEthics to guide the Board ofCommissioners in its lawful  state motto, Esse quam videri, "To be rather than to seem," and local governing boards and councils to adopt a code of ethics, and  citizens oft this county, and with obeying the law.  decision-making.  GENERAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE CODE OF ETHICS The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government depend upon public confidence int the integrity ofthe government and upon responsible exercise of the trust conferred by the people upon their elected Governmental decisions and policy must be made and implemented through proper channels and processes oft the governmental structure. Council members must be able to act in ai manner that maintains their integrity and independence, yeti is responsive tot thei interests and needs oft those they Council members must always remain aware that at various times they play  officials.  represent. different roles:  As advocates, who strive to advance the legitimate needs oftheir citizens. As legislators, who balance the public interest and private rights in considering and enacting ordinances, orders, and resolutions.  1    O As decision-makers, who arrive at fair and impartial quasi-judicial and Board members must know how to distinguish among these roles, to determine Board members must be aware oft their obligation to conform their behavior to standards ofe ethical conduct that warrant the trust ofthe constituents. Each official must find within his or her own conscience the touchstone by which to  administrative determinations.  when each role is appropriate, and to act accordingly.  determine what conduct is appropriate.  CODE OF ETHICS  The purpose oft this Code of Ethics is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for the Board of Commissioners and to help to determine what conduct is appropriate inj particular cases. It should not be considered a substitute for the law or for Section 1. Board members should obey all laws applicable to their official actions as members ofthel Board. Board members should be guided by the spirit as well as the  ab board member's best judgment.  letter ofthe law in whatever they do.  At the same time, board members should feel free to assert policy positions and opinions without fear ofreprisal from fellow board members or citizens. To declare that aboard member is behaving unethically because of disagreeing with that board member onac question of policy (and not because oft the board member's behavior) is unfair,  irresponsible, and is, itself, unethical.  Board members should endeavor to keep up to date, through the board's attorney and other sources, about new or ongoing legal or ethical issues they may face in their official positions. This educational function is in addition to the day-to-day legal advice Section 2. Board members should act with integrity and independence from improper influence as they exercise the duties oftheir offices. Characteristics and behaviors  the board may receive conçerning specific situations that arise.  consistent with this standard include the following: Adhering firmly to a code ofs sound values. Exhibiting trustworthiness. what they are doing.  Behaving consistently and with respect toward everyone with whom they interact. Living as ift they are on duty as elected officials regardless of where they are or Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting their opinion to all in ai reasonable, forthright, consistent manner. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and unaffected by improper influence while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas ofothers.  2    Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi- judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves. Treating other board members and the public with respect and honoring the opinions of others even while the board members disagree with those opinions. Not reaching conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard. Showing respect for their offices and not behaving in ways that reflect poorly on Recognizing that they are aj part ofa larger group and acting accordingly. Recognizing that individual board members are: not generally allowed to act on behalfofthe! board but may only do soi ift the board specifically authorizes it, and  those offices.  that thel board must take official action as al body.  Avoiding conflicts ofinterest.  Section 3.a. Board members should avoid impropriety ini the exercise oft their official duties. Their official actions should be above reproach. Although opinions may vary about what behavior is inappropriate, this board will consider impropriety int terms of whether a reasonable person who is aware ofall ofthe relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the board member's action would conclude that the action was inappropriate. Section 3.b. Ifal board member believes that his or her actions, while legal and ethical, may be misunderstood, the member should seek the advice oft the board's attorney and should consider publicly disclosing the facts oft the situation and the steps taken to resolve Section 4. Board members should faithfully perform the duties of their offices. They should act as especially responsible citizens whom others can trust and respect. They should set a good example for others int the community, keeping in mind that trust and  it.  respect must continually be earned.  Board members should faithfully attend and prepare for meetings. They should carefully analyze all credible information properly submitted tot them, mindful oft the need not to engage in communications outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters. They should demand full accountability from those over whom thel board has authority. Board members should be willing to bear their fair share oft the board's workload. Tot the extent appropriate, they should be willing toj put the board'si interests ahead of Section 5. Board members should conduct the affairs oft the board in an open and public manner. They should comply with all applicable laws governing open meetings and public records, recognizing that doing sO is an important way to be worthy oft the public's trust. They should also remember that local government reçords belong to the public and In order to ensure strict compliance with the laws concerning openness, board members should make clear that an environment of transparency and candori is to be  their own.  not to board members or their employees.  3    maintained at all times in the government unit. They should prohibit unjustified delay in fulfilling public record requests. They should take deliberate steps to make certain that any closed sessions held by the council are lawfully conducted and that such sessions do  not stray from the purpose for which they are called.  Adopted this 20th day ofDecember, 2010 by the Craven County Board of  Commissioners. dh Steve Tyson, Chairman  Bwcdal,thp Gwendolyn M. Bryan, lerk  4