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Ethics Policy Purpose The Sunnyvale City Council has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct for members of the City Council and the City's boards and commissions to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation. A. ETHICS The citizens and businesses of Sunnyvale are entitled to fair, ethical and accountable local government, which will instill public confidence in the fair operation and integrity of Sunnyvale's City government.. In keeping with the City of Sunnyvale's Commitment to Excellence and the City Council's commitment to the ethical values while representing its residents and community, the effective functioning of democratic government requires that: ■ public officials, both elected and appointed, comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of government; ■ public officials be independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions; ■ public office be used for the public good, not for personal gain; and ■ public deliberations and processes be conducted openly, unless legally permitted to be conducted in a closed session under the Ralph M. Brown Act, in an atmosphere of respect and civility. ■ Public officials, both elected and appointed, act in a transparent manner to enable the public to obtain information about public official activities and the decision-making process. ,.� To this end, the Sunnyvale City Council has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct for members of the City Council and of the City's boards and commissions to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation. The Ethics section of the City's Code of Ethics and Conduct provides guidance on ethical issues and questions of right and wrong. I. Act in the Public Interest. Recognizing that stewardship of the public interest must be their primary concern, members will work for the common good of all the people of Sunnyvale and not for any private or personal interest, and they will assure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims and transactions coming before the Sunnyvale City Council, boards and commissions. 2. Comply with both the spirit and the letter of the Law and City Policy. Members shall comply with the laws of the nation,the State of California and the City of Sunnyvale in the performance of their public duties.These laws include,but are not limited to: the United States and California constitutions; the Sunnyvale City Charter; laws pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures, employer responsibilities, and open processes of government; and City ordinances and policies. 3. Conduct of Members. The professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Members shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of Council, boards and commissions, staff or the public. Page 3 of 15 Approved by City Council on 2/14/2023