A. Purpose. The city council has adopted herein a code of ethics for city-elected officials and city-appointed officers and officials to promote public confidence in the integrity of local government and its fair operation. This code of ethics will provide the basis for education and training for city officials to ensure that the highest ethical standards and best ethical practices will be followed.

B. Intent. The citizens and businesses of Auburn are entitled to have fair, ethical and accountable local government that has earned the public’s full confidence. It is further the intent that city officials be permitted to fulfill their duties to represent the public to the greatest extent possible unless circumstances exist where such engagement is impermissible. Nothing in this chapter is intended to reduce, limit, or restrict the pool of available candidates for service on the council or service on council-appointed public bodies, all of which are either part-time or volunteer positions. It is in the public interest to ensure that the provisions of this chapter do not create barriers to citizen public service. In keeping with the city of Auburn’s commitment to excellence, the effective functioning of democratic government therefore requires that: