Preamble
The Murrieta City Council wants to ensure our residents, employees and those conducting business with us a city government that emphasizes values in public service, leadership and decision-making.

Accordingly, the Murrieta City Council has adopted this Code of Ethics to:

1. Describe the highest standards of behavior expected by its leaders and staff.
2. Promote and maintain an environment which fosters the public’s trust and confidence in the city.
3. Provide an ongoing source of guidance to its leaders and staff in their day-to-day service.

CODE OF ETHICS

Integrity/Honesty

• I am honest with my fellow officials, the public and others.
• I am prepared to make unpopular decisions when my sense of the public’s best interests requires it.
• I take responsibility for my actions, even when it is uncomfortable to do so.
• I disclose suspected instances of corruption to the appropriate authorities.
• I provide accurate information and do not make unrealistic promises.

Accountability/Responsibility

• I hold myself to high standards and am accountable to the public, stakeholders, and other institutions.
• I am an agent of the democratic process, thus I receive input, explain my actions, accept the result of the body’s decision and engage in continuous improvement.
• I prepare for meetings, read materials, research issues, make decisions, and keep required confidences.
• I do not use my office or the resources of the city for personal or political gain.
• I am a prudent steward of public resources and actively consider the impact of my decisions on the financial and social stability of the city and its citizens.

Respect

• I treat my fellow officials, staff and the public with courtesy and civility, even when we disagree on what is best for the community.
• I actively listen, ask questions, seek diverse opinions and participate in added-value discussion for the purpose of consensus building.
• I refrain from participating in negative activity and avoid personal attacks against fellow officials, staff and the public to insure the reputation and integrity of those individuals and the city.
• I make decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts involving staff and stakeholders and taking into consideration short and long-term goals.
• I support a positive work environment for city staff and others who serve the city.

Fairness

• I am impartial when making decisions, avoiding the temptation to favor those who have supported me and disfavor those who have not.
• I support the public’s right to know and will promote their meaningful participation in the conduct of the public’s business.
• I recognize that I am an agent for the democratic process, not the owner of authority.
• I treat all persons, claims, and transactions in a fair and equitable manner.
• I make decisions based on the merits of the issue, with attention to due process.
  

Oath
I have read the City of Murrieta’s Ethics Code and understand its expectations. I agree that compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations is an inherent quality of ethical behavior. Such laws govern, but are not limited to, disclosure of personal economic interests; receipt of loans, gifts, travel payments and honoraria; campaign contributions; conflict of interest; dual office-holding and incompatible offices; and criminal misconduct in office. Although compliance with all such laws is expected, I understand that this code applies exclusively to ethical values rather than legal issues. The ethics defined in this code require more than simple adherence to the law. By signing this code, I pledge my commitment to uphold a standard of integrity and competence beyond that required by the law.

Murrieta’s voting citizens are the ultimate enforcers of this code. However, I fully understand that I am subject to the City Council’s commendation or censorship, depending upon my ability to exemplify the ethical behavior promoted by this code.