Jim Wagner
Member, Ethics Committee
Good morning, afternoon, or evening, whichever time you’re finding time to look at this newsletter.
As a retiree member of the Ethics Committee, this is my brief opportunity to express my thoughts about the profession of city managers and deputy city managers.
In thinking about what to write, I referenced The Effective Local Government Manager, fourth edition, available through the ICMA; Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1976 edition; Black’s Law Dictionary, ninth edition; and finally, the ICMA Code of Ethics, with guidelines for the background source and clarification of the definition.
Here are some of the potential definitions of the word ethics:
- an unimpaired condition
- firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
- incorruptibility
- the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
In doing so, I found these definitions to cloud my thoughts, so I switched to what your favorite minister, priest, or rabbi would do, and that is get straight to the point of what message I am trying to get to you and not lose your attention.
Our profession is one of the most vital positions in local government, as we are the responsible individuals for what services taxpayers receive in our cities, counties, townships, and villages.
Yes, we are probably one of the more important decision makers in the process, because it is our job; what we trained for. Every day we try to acquire additional insight from other managers to increase our knowledge for the taxpayers we work for in the communities we serve!
It is my belief in reviewing the code of ethics with guidelines, that of all our guidelines, ethics is of vital importance. Tenet 10 and tenet 12, in my opinion, are the foundation of our Industry! Tenet 10 addresses our responsibility to carry out our community policies without interference and to handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice. Tenet 12 indicates public office is a public trust. A member shall not leverage his or her position for personal gain or benefit.
Take the next few weeks to review all of the tenets and remember: our actions reflect upon all our members. As lawyers say often, “Appearance of impropriety reflects upon us all.” Enjoy your summer and your family!
Jim Wagner
Member, Ethics Committee
Retired
Jim Wagner is 79 and retired from the City of Trenton in 2018, after serving as city administrator 2011–2018. He currently works as a contract employee, as it relates to economic development and coal and fire communities. He serves as chairman of the Downriver Community Conference Brownfield and represents them on various committees and task forces.