Standards of Conduct
The City of Madison Ethics Code includes standards of conduct for elected officials, employees, and committee members.
This is a summary of the standards and is not a substitute for the full Ethics Code. Visit the code for the full standards of conduct.
Use of office or position
The Code states that no incumbent may use their position or office to obtain financial gain or anything of value or any advantage, privilege, or treatment for the private benefit of the incumbent, their immediate family, or an organization with which the incumbent is associated. Nor may an incumbent take any official action in a matter, which may affect a family member or association in which they may have a personal or financial interest.
Disclosure and disqualification
The Code states that any incumbent who has a financial or personal interest in a matter coming before the Common Council or any board, committee or commission must disclose the nature and extent of such interest and if necessary, disqualify themselves from discussing and voting on the matter.
Influence and reward
The Code states that no incumbent may solicit or accept (directly or indirectly) anything of value that could reasonably be expected to influence a vote, official action, or judgment or be considered a reward for any official action or inaction.
Privileges and advantages
The Code prohibits the use of City-owned vehicles, equipment, materials, or property for personal convenience or profit except as authorized by the Common Council or when such things are available to the public generally.
Outside employment
The Code prohibits incumbents from accepting outside employment and/or service (paid or unpaid) that would impair (or reasonably appear to impair) independence of judgment or action in the performance of official duties. The Code prohibits the intentional use or disclosure of privileged information that could result in anything of value for the incumbent, their immediate family, or for any other person or entity, unless the information has already been communicated to the general public or is a public record.
Cooling off period for incumbents
The Code places certain restrictions on the activities of former incumbents for twelve months after leaving office, employment, or appointment. For instance, restrictions limit former incumbents from appearing before and/or negotiating with their former entity, office, board, committee or commission for a one-year period. Such restrictions apply whether or not the former incumbent is paid for their services.
Receipt of anything of value
The Code prohibits incumbents from receiving or keeping any transportation, meals, beverage, entertainment, fees, honoraria, or anything of value except in accordance with the standards of conduct contained in the Code. The Code is very explicit about what may and may not be accepted by incumbents in the performance of their duties and in outside activities. Incumbents who may be affected by such regulations should review the Code.
Nepotism and equal treatment
Favoritism and special treatment in hiring and promotion based on family and special relationships shall not be allowed. Contract or leases: The Code places limitations on City contracts or leases (involving more than $3000 per year) with any incumbent, their immediate family, or any organization in which the incumbent owns or controls at least 2% of the outstanding equity. Before accepting such a contract or lease, the incumbent must disclose in writing to the. City Clerk the nature and extent of their interest in said contract or lease. In turn, the City Clerk will advise the Common Council about the disclosure at the time a vote on the contract or lease is considered.
Appointment of City Employees to a non-City Board or Committee
When a City employee is appointed by the mayor to a non-City board or committee, that employee is obligated to represent the interests of the City and act with independence of judgment. Careful consideration should be given prior to the appointment to assure that such individuals do not have a conflict of interest which would be incompatible with the proper discharge of their City duties and have the necessary independence of judgment in representing the City's interest.
Political Activities
The Madison Ethics Code prohibits any City employee, during work hours or while on official business, from
- wearing or displaying campaign material
- distributing campaign literature
- soliciting or receiving political contributions
- actively campaigning for any candidate or referendum