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Minn. Stat. § 471.87. • Ethical mayors recognize that ethical questions may be complex. As a result, they are willing to seek out and accept the advice of knowledgeable officials such as the city attorney or senior city staff. Ethical mayors recognize that ethical conflicts are inevitable and should be dealt with quickly. Elected officials are human and citizens of their communities. On occasion, it is to be expected that they will have needs or roles in their private lives that conflict with the obligations of public office. Ethical officials are open about potential conflicts of interest and follow applicable rules for disclosing and dealing with the conflict (such as refraining from voting on a particular issue) to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Ethical mayors are driven by fairness. The most ethical mayors recognize that many city decisions will have adverse as well as positive outcomes and they, therefore, strive to make the best decision as defined by its ultimate fairness to all concerned. This often means making impartial decisions on the merits of the issues alone, while disregarding personal allegiances. It can also mean considering interests of citizens who are not present or who have not otherwise commented, but who are nonetheless affected by a decision. Ethical officials try to make decisions in the best interest of all in the community, not just those who show up at a meeting or protest the loudest. • Ethical mayors recognize the importance of conscientious and ethical government as a value in itself. Ethical mayors do not use their office or authority for revenge, prestige, or personal gain. Ethical mayors recognize that government is a human institution. The human motivations of those in government will determine if the government itself is effective or ineffective, good or bad, ethical or unethical. Ethical mayors care enough to make a positive difference and then act accordingly. B. Ethics laws and official conflict of interest State law includes extensive regulation on the ethical behavior of city officials and criminalizes violations of the law. State law regulates —among other things —conflict of interest, incompatible offices, and gifts to elected officials. 1. Official conflict of interest in contracts Generally state law prohibits public officers from having a personal financial interest in a sale, lease, or contract they are authorized to make in their official capacity. A "public officer" certainly includes a mayor, a council member, or an elected official. Minnesota Mayors Association Chapter 1-32