The fundamental premise of an ethics code is that it is easier for people to do the right thing when they know what it is. I support a written Code of Ethics for the City of Santa Clarita and its councilmembers, commissioners, and staff. It’s a common practice dozens of other cities (e.g., Irvine, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Glendale, Santa Clara). It represents a pledge to the community to act according to certain principles and it’s a measure of maturity to adopt such a pledge.

1. •I will initiate the process of creating a Code of Ethics once I’m elected.
   

2. •Some form Ethics Commission should be discussed, along the lines of our Planning, and Parks and Recreation Commissions.
   

3. •We have a very dedicated hard-working staff at the City. Ours is a very desirable city and we would not be where we are today were it not for our City’s leaders and our outstanding staff at the City. BUT: Our citizens deserve every assurance that they will have an open, accountable, and transparent government and I intend to give that to them.
   

4. •Key Values included in a Code of Ethics might include: 
   

1. 1.Personal and professional conduct that includes refrain from abusive conduct, such as personal charges or verbal attacks on the character or motives of other members of Council, board, commissions and committees, the staff or public;
   

2. 2.Publicly sharing substantive information gained from outside meetings and contacts;
   

3. 3.Maintaining the independence of boards, commissions and committees;
   

4. 4.Ensuring that all citizens are treated the same; and
   

5. 5.Whistleblower protections for any employee or official who makes a good faith effort to report misconduct.
   

I hope this answers your question. If you would like to discuss this further, please call me at (661) 310-3654.

 

Diane Trautman

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