2.95.010 Purpose.
(1) Purpose. The Covington City Council has adopted this code of ethics to be complied with by members of the City Council and the City of Covington’s Council-appointed boards and commissions to promote public confidence in the integrity of local government and its fair operation. This code of ethics will also provide the basis for the education and training of City officials, both elected and appointed, to ensure that the highest standards and best practices with regard to ethics will be followed.
(2) Intent. The citizens and businesses of Covington are entitled to have fair, ethical, and accountable local government that has earned the public’s full confidence. In keeping with the City of Covington’s commitment to excellence, the effective functioning of democratic government therefore requires that:
(a) Public officials, both elected and appointed, comply with the laws and policies affecting the operations of government;
(b) Public officials be independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions;
(c) Public office be used for the public good, not for personal gain; and
(d) Public deliberations and processes be conducted openly, unless legally confidential, in an atmosphere of respect and civility.
(3) This code of ethics shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purpose and policy and to supplement existing laws that relate to the same subject.
(4) The conduct of all officials shall meet the applicable requirements of both this code of ethics and Chapter 42.23 RCW. When a higher standard of conduct is established by this code of ethics than by Chapter 42.23 RCW, the standards of this code of ethics shall control; provided, this code of ethics shall not be construed to permit any act or omission that is prohibited by Chapter 42.23 RCW.
(5) This code of ethics shall take effect August 1, 2016, by Ordinance No. 14-16. (Ord. 14-16 § 1 (Exh. A))