Principals of Ethical
Conduct
The State of New Jersey, like all States and most
corporations, has ethical standard guidelines. These standards,
while technically applying only to State office holders, should be considered
as minimum standards for all public officials. Unethical behavior does not
necessarily mean illegal behavior. It includes behavior that would cause
citizens and taxpayers to lose confidence or respect for a public official. The
following are a few examples of areas that have been abused by individuals in the
present City of
“Exploitation
of Official Position. You may not use your position to secure a
job, contract, governmental approval or special benefit for yourself, a friend
or family member.”
“Nepotism. You may not hire,
promote. Or supervise a relative.”
“Compensation
for Official Duties. Your pay check is your only permitted
compensation. You may not accept any other compensation for performing your
job.”
“Conflicts
of Interest. You may not act in a matter in
which you, your family, or your close friends have a direct or indirect
personal or financial interest that might tend to conflict with the proper
discharge of your official duties….”
“Gifts and Favors You may not accept
any gifts or more that nominal value (i.e., a tee-shirt or pen) related in any
way to your official duties.”
Mayor Mims Hackett Jr. defeated the corrupt Mayor Robert Brown 12 years
ago on a platform of ethical reform, accountability and political transparency.
As the Chief Executive of the City of
The Mayor should have led by example requiring minimum levels of
ethical conduct by his City of
We will be posting lists and examples of ethical lapses by members of
the Mims Hackett Orange municipal administration as we have time.
To be continued…….