Realizing that persons holding a position of public trust are under constant observation by the media and all County residents, and further recognizing that maintaining the integrity and dignity of public office and confidence in our institutions of government, every member of the King George County Board of Supervisors does publicly commit collectively and individually to the following Standards of Conduct.
- Avoid during public meetings and during the performance of public duties the use of abusive, threatening or intimidating language or gestures directed at colleagues, citizens, or employees.
- To strive sincerely to build better relationships with one another and with the County Administrator, constitutional officers, and the elected and appointed boards and commissions of King George County.
- Pay all taxes due to one's town or residence, county, state, or national government.
- Attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the board or committees to which you have been assigned, resigning whenever personal circumstances preclude regular attendance.
- Avoid a private lifestyle that casts public doubt upon the integrity and competence of the county government.
- Offer criticism of colleagues or county employees only in private meetings with appropriate individuals or in closed sessions.
- Work to create a positive environment in public meetings where citizens will feel comfortable in their role as observers and/or participants.
- To listen carefully and maintain an attitude of courtesy and consideration toward all colleagues and staff during all discussions and deliberations.
- To emphasize planning, policy-making and public relations rather than becoming involved in the day-to-day management of departments or County Administration.
- To set clear goals for the County Administrator and/or departments and agency heads and to provide financial resources to help ensure the community is aware of these goals.
- To always be tolerant. Allow citizens, employees, or colleagues sufficient opportunity to present their views.
- To listen carefully and be respectful and attentive. Avoid comments, body language or distracting activity that conveys a message of disrespect for the presentations from citizens, county personnel, or colleagues.
- To be concise. Avoid the practice of taking more time to address an issue before the body than necessary and essential for an adequate consideration of those matters being discussed by being prepared, organized and clear in all public deliberations.
- To abide by the King George County Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and further to provide appropriate mechanisms for disciplining members who violate the Code of Ethics and/or Standards of Conduct through the adoption of resolutions of disapproval citing the provisions of the Code of Ethics or Standards of Conduct of which the governing body determines a member has violated.
We, the King George Board of Supervisors, do hereby recognize that holding public office is a public trust and that the stewardship of the King George County Board of Supervisors and county services demands the highest level of professional, ethical and moral conduct. We therefore commit to adhere to the King George County Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct at all times in our professional lives.