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4 <br />GENERRI_ PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE CC~C~E t~F ETHfCS <br />The stability and proper operation of democratic representative govemment depends <br />upon public confidence in the integrity of the government, and upon responsible <br />exercise of the trust conferred by the people upon their elected officials. <br />Governmental decisions and policy must be made and imp3emented through. proper <br />channels and processes of the governmental structure. <br />• Board members must be able to acfi in a manner that mair~tainss their integrity and <br />independence, yet is responsive to the infierests and reeds of #hose they represent. <br />• Board members must aiways remain aware that at various times they play different <br />roles: <br />• As advocates, who strive to advance the legitimate needs of their citizens and <br />residents, <br />• As legislators, who balance tl~e p~,,blic interest and private rights in considering <br />and enacting ordFnances, orders. ar~c~ rasalutions, and <br />• As fair and impartial decision-makers, tt~her? making quasi judicial and <br />administrative determinations. <br />Board members. must know haw to distinc:~_rish among these roles, to determine when. <br />each role is appropriate, and to act acccrciingly: <br />• Boar!fi members must be aware of then obligation to conform their behavior to <br />st~r~dar~is c:~f ethical conduct that warrant the trust of their constituents. Each official <br />must find within iris or her own conscience the touchstone by wfiich to determine what <br />conduct is apprapriate- <br />