Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Commissioners Disagree With Proposed Ethics Policy
A number of members of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners expressed objections to adopting a proposed commission ethics policy during their meeting Thursday, ultimately voting to table the legislation.
The resolution was brought before the commission during their regular bi-monthly business meeting, sponsored by commissioners Chris Jackson, Karen Woodall, and Scott Franks.
The resolution proposed reads, “Whereas, the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners strives to set an example of leadership, professionalism, and high morality while doing the people’s work…in an effort to better achieve these goals, the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners wishes to implement a “Code of Ethics” that will lay out the duties and responsibilities of the office of County Commissioners and give a guideline as to how commissioners should conduct themselves while in office.”
The document emphasizes that, “It should not be considered a substitute for the law or a county commissioner’s best judgment…County commissioners must, at times act in an adjudicatory or administrative capacity and must, when doing so, act in a fair and impartial manner.”
The principles outlined in the document include requiring that commissioners: obey the law, uphold the integrity and independence of the office, avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities (ex.: shall not allow family, social, or other relationships to unduly influence their conduct or judgment and shall not lend the prestige of the office of county commissioner to advance the private interests of others; nor shall they convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence them), perform the duties of the office diligently (legislative responsibilities, adjudicative responsibilities, administrative responsibilities are outlined), conduct the affairs of the board of county commissioners in an open and public manner, regulate extra-governmental activities to minimize the risk of conflict with his or her duties, and refrain from political activity inappropriate for the office.
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Once the matter was brought to the floor commissioner Ronnie Benefield stated, “We’ve been through this once before and I still don’t know where the Code of Ethics is coming from.
When we take the oath of office for commissioner of this county we accept the laws of the State of Tennessee and Lawrence County…Why do we need another code of ethics?” He then asked, “Where did these ethics come from?”
Jackson said that the information was compiled, “From different policies around the nation that other counties have adopted.” He pointed out, “I think we need to be held to a higher standard. The people expect us to be above board, and we are.
But this code of ethics would serve as a good template, not only for this commission, but for future commissions on how to conduct themselves in office It tells us exactly what our duties are.”
He pointed out, “You know a lot of commissioners who come into office don’t know what their roles are, what boundaries we have.”
Commissioner Denny Gillespie questioned what prompted the resolution, asking, “Do you think we’ve had some people on this committee who’ve acted unethical? …If ya’ll think we’ve had some people acting unethical, and especially if it’s me, tell me.”
Jackson responded, “Put yourself in the public’s view. How can you sit here and say that a code of ethics is a bad thing to pass?”
Gillespie answered, “I don’t have a problem with voting for this, my question is why? …Everything you’ve got in here, with the exception of maybe one or two, that’s common sense to me.
My momma raised me that way. I don’t have to have a code to tell me how to act up here - how to be professional - how to be ethical. I don’t need that crap.
And if we’re doing this just to make us feel good or to make political points out in the county somewhere, I got a problem with that. That’s not what I’m up here for.”
Commissioner Neely Luna concurred, insisting, “We’ve got a policy, let’s stick with it.”
Commissioner Karen Woodall said that the resolution was no more than a business move. She explained, “It’s an addition, a supplement. In the business world, depending on what industry you’re in, you have state guidelines that you have to respond to as ethical. This is just another level.”
Woodall added, “It certainly won’t hurt anyone.” She pointed out, “We can go back and look at some of our own televised commission meetings and we have all acted out of turn.”
Commissioner Ronnie Taylor intervened, stating “I swore before Judge McGuire to uphold the constitution of the United State and Tennessee,” then made a motion to table the resolution. The motion to table passed under a 12-5 vote.
Following the meeting Jackson issued the following statement:
"I am very disappointed that a majority of the county commission chose not to adopt a new code of ethics…As elected officials, we should strive to be held to a higher standard to gain the public's trust and confidence. The proposals that my colleagues and I put forth would have done that and made the county commission more open and efficient for years to come.
“I strongly disagree with some of the opinions expressed by my colleagues…I stand firm in the belief that we must be proactive and strive to do all we can to make our government more ethical, open and efficient for the people of Lawrence County.
Jackson urged residents, “Watch the discussion about this topic (on LawrenceburgNow) and make your own decisions. The discussion starts at about the 33 minute mark. Also, please be sure to read our proposals and let me know your thoughts."
