Minutes 06-01-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� word "contracts". He suggested the following language, "firm or corporation, which is currently doing business with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded by Orange County, or is attempting or has attempted in the past calendar year...." A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to adopt the recommended Code of Ethics, with the amendment above, to guide the Commissioners in the performance of their duties and approved recommending the General Assembly repeal portions of Session Law 1987-460. Code of Ethics for the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina WHEREAS, the Constitution of North Carolina, Article I, Section 35, reminds us that a "frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty," and WHEREAS, a spirit of honesty and forthrightness is reflected in North Carolina's State Motto, Esse Quam Videri, "To Be Rather than to Seem," and WHEREAS, Section 160A-86 of the North Carolina General Statutes requires local governing boards to adopt a code of ethics, and WHEREAS, as public officials we are charged with upholding the trust of the citizens and residents of Orange County, and with obeying the law, and WHEREAS, as public officials of Orange County we believe our citizens and residents are entitled to the most open and ethical government possible under the law. NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of our blessings and obligations as citizens of the State of North Carolina and as public officials representing the citizens and residents of Orange County and acting pursuant to the requirements of Section 160A-86 of the North Carolina General Statutes, we the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby adopt the following General Principles and Code of Ethics to guide the Board of County Commissioners in its lawful decision-making. The Orange County Board of Commissioners directs all advisory boards and committees, which currently serve, or which may in the future be created to serve, the Board of County Commissioners, to respect and abide by these same General Principles and Code of Ethics in the performance of their lawful duties insomuch as they may be applicable to the performance thereof. GENERAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE CODE OF ETHICS • The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government depends upon public confidence in the integrity of the government, and upon responsible exercise of the trust conferred by the people upon their elected officials. • Governmental decisions and policy must be made and implemented through proper channels and processes of the governmental structure. • Board members must be able to act in a manner that maintains their integrity and independence, yet is responsive to the interests and needs of those they represent. • Board members must always remain aware that at various times they play different roles: • As advocates, who strive to advance the legitimate needs of their citizens and residents, • As leqislators, who balance the public interest and private rights in considering and enacting ordinances, orders, and resolutions, and • As fair and impartial decision-makers, when making quasi-judicial and administrative determinations.