1990-04-03 Ethical Standard Res. Legal Opinion

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Given this multitude of presently effective prohibitions and their attending adverse consequences, the Council might seriously question both the difficulty and the need for either a resolution or an ordinance informing those persons associated with or performing for the city of their obligation to meet or comply with those ethical standards which are already in place. Indeed, anyone who works for or with a political unit today cannot help but be aware of the ongoing clamor for responsibility and accountability. In summary, the Council may wish to inquire: What benefit or effect will attend such a resolution /ordinance? Will it not merely repeat that which those who are already accountable already know? If that be the case, have we not added one more document to the reams of dusty documents, many of which go unheeded? Please do not misunderstand. Your quest for ethical behavior is commendable -- indeed, a necessity as witnessed by the frequent and widespread attention it receives. Please consider the possibility that it might be more fruitful to place in practice ethical norms and to hold periodic mini - sessions with all city officials and employees to "knock about" those types of ethical issues to the smaller community. Some differ dramatically from those encountered in larger governmental units. Having said all of this, Rule 1.13 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (regulating attorneys) requires the obvious - -that I recognize the city (through the Council) as my client. Rule 2.1 requires that I render :andid advice. That being the case, I defer to your decision. Should the Council decide that a resolution /ordinance is nevertheless appropriate, if requested I will assist in the adoption of a document to satisfy that need. Si cerely, ,..:,41 /, 1 in-A,A oe. a Barry L. Blomquist njs enc -3-