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3 <br />GENERAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE CODE OF ETHICS <br />• The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government 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 implemented through proper <br />channels and processes of the governmental structure. <br />• Board members must be able to act in a manner that maintains their integrity and <br />independence, yet is responsive to the interest and needs of those they represent. <br />• Board members must always remain awr P hat a various times they play different <br />roles: <br />• As advocates, who strive to advanceµ" 0Jeg#W4t needs of their citizens and <br />residents, <br />X1W'_ <br />• As legislators, who balance the public interes private rights in considering <br />and enacting ordinances, orders, and resolutions, <br />Up <br />- <br />and <br />• As fair and impartial decision - makers, whenmaking quasi-judicial and <br />administrafl d'de, orations. <br />,r <br />Board me rrb must kn' how to distinguish among these roles, to determine when <br />each role is app" �riate, arsd to act accordingly. <br />• Board members rri a €weir obligation to conform their behavior to <br />standards of ethical co"."', that warrant the trust of their constituents. Each official <br />must find within his or hero science the touchstone by which to determine what <br />conduct is appropriate. <br />