RSSYakima council must adopt ethics code sooner, not later
Yakima Herald-Republic
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For the city of Yakima, it's not a question of whether the council should adopt a code of ethics, but when.
We find it hard to believe that a city the size of Yakima doesn't already have one. Much smaller cities have done so. With the City Council responsible for a general fund budget of $61 million and the welfare of 85,000 residents, we expect its members to consider this matter seriously.
We fear, though, this may not happen.
Early indications reveal an uneasiness among several council members about adopting a code of ethics. During Tuesday's study session, newly appointed councilwoman Maureen Adkison wondered what the fuss was all about while fellow councilwoman Kathy Coffey voiced concerns about creating a cumbersome code that simply duplicates existing rules governing such matters as conflicts of interest.
Councilman Bill Lover went so far as to question how the council would actually define the term "ethics."
"I don't mind ethics but I want them to be true ethics," he declared.
If this is the level of enlightened discourse that's going to frame Yakima's future code of ethics, we are in trouble.
Crafting a guide for acceptable conduct of elected officials doesn't require an advanced degree in philosophy. Private businesses have created codes for decades. Even federal legislation requires any publicly held corporation to develop a code of ethics that discourages wrongdoing and promotes honesty and fairness. State and city governments have developed them, so too have city-appointed commissions and boards.
Most often cited as an example of what a code of ethics should look like is one adopted by the city of Richland. Its code of ethics covers seven pages and sets down a detailed guide for conduct -- from members acting with decorum as representatives of the city to rigid prohibitions against using the elective office for personal gain or privilege.
If a complaint is brought against a council member, the issue then goes to an ethics board made up of several council members. Evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed under oath and public hearings are held. Those elected officials who end up violating the code could face misdemeanor charges. Other violations can lead to suspension, removal from office or a court judgment requiring monetary restitution.
There's also a provision to deal with frivolous claims that are filed by someone who knowingly makes false charges. In this case, that person could be required to pay attorney's fees and other costs.
When councilwoman Sonia Rodriguez recently suggested fellow members should consider adopting a code of ethics like Richland's, she said it would help to instill confidence in the council's actions. She had good reason to be worried.
This spring the City Council struggled through a particularly embarrassing situation where four members were accused of violating the state open-meetings law by arranging votes in secret on a new budget policy. That led to a lawsuit and an out-of-court settlement. The cash payout skirted a final resolution over whether violations had indeed occurred.
We believe they had.
We also believe the City Council is capable of drafting a code of ethics that will restore confidence in how its members conduct the city's business. The council may well choose a system that doesn't rely on "self policing" of its members but rather sets up a citizens' board to investigate possible violations.
Whatever the outcome, the council needs to come away with some form of an ethical code. It's the right thing to do and it's the right time to do it.
* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.
BRAVO! Once again the Yakima city council proves to be a huge embarrassment: "what's all the fuss about", "what's the definition of ethics"? Come on citizens-wake up & smell the coffee! Are these the folks you want leading our city? Let's elect people who don't eat lead paint chips for dessert.
Report ViolationETHICS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A POG....PRIORITY OF GOVERNMENT....
Isn't that the name of Ensey's,Lover, Cawley and Coffey budget program? They question what ethics is and why there is a need? The mere perception of violating the law during the debacle earlier brought this about you bobble heads!..no beating around the bush..you guys looked sleazy and you needed cleaning up. Now like children caught you want to question motives for doing the right thing? That is typical of an unethical person. There should be no doubt and no hestitation to have adopted this ordinance.
Debating the structure and content of the policy is what should be on the table. The fact that some on the council question the need for a policy is concerning. When you don't know how to define ethics as it relates to public service, there is a clear need for guidance and thus, a need. Hopefully, part of the policy will include restrictions on the council endorsing any candidates for elected office. That is not their job - their job is to direct and oversee the initiatives and business of the City in an intellegent and non-partisan manner.
Report ViolationWhy would you expect people who have already been caught in ethical violations to enact an ethics code?
Forget this ethics stuff and focus on what's really important: votes! The council should make sure they are photographed eating "freedom fries" with an American flag wrapped around their bodies in front of a church while shouting "mission accomplished!"
People who complain about trivial details like ethics when they could be concentrating on things that really matter--such as freedom fries, bumper stickers with patriotic slogans and collecting Rush Limbaugh action figures--are not real Americans and will be overrun on election day.
Graduate;
I enjoy your well written and colorful comments. Based on your insightful observations,opinions and objections to specific Yakima City Council members it perhaps could be concluded that you are the Fire Chief or a ghost writer for the Fire Chief.
Enact an ethics code? Proposed by "The Yakima-herald" and a candidate that's a "lawyer". Sounds like an oxymoron to me.
Report ViolationI've lived in Yakima for nearly 40 years, and at no time can I remember such a disfunctional city council. Individually, some members have merit, but as a whole, it's hard to trust anything they say (even when I agree). Undoubtedly, over the years, council has had it's moments, but I am not aware of toxic behavior spilling out for public consumption. Someone was quoted as saying a new code was not needed since behavior was already covered . . . if that is true, then shame on those who don't play by the rules. It's time also to stop blaming Bruce Smith . . . elected officials should have the intelligence to make up their own minds. If they're don't, then they don't deserve to be representing me.
Report ViolationAll too often governing bodies feel that they should not be governed. Why should they NOT be held to a high standard of transparent ethics when they are dealing with the welfare of the citizens? I'd bet a cup of coffee that as council members resume private citizenry roles for whatever reasons they'd be the first in line screaming for a code of ethics.
Report Violation
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