Code of Ethics

The Board of Trustees is committed to providing excellence in legislative leadership that results in the highest quality of services to its constituents.  The following rules should be observed in order to assist in the governance of the behavior between and among members of the Board of Trustees.

(a)   Trustees should thoroughly prepare themselves to discuss agenda items.  Information may be requested or exchanged between Trustees before meetings in a manner consistent with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

(b)  The dignity, style, values, and opinions of each Trustee should be respected.

(c)   Responsiveness and attentive listening in communication is encouraged.

(d)  The needs of the District’s constituents should be the priority of the Board of Trustees.

(e)   When responding to constituent requests and concerns, Trustees should be courteous, responding to individuals in a positive manner and routing their questions through appropriate channels and to responsible management personnel.

(f)    The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is the formulation and evaluation of policy and strategy to give direction and guidance to District staff. Routine matters concerning the operational aspects of the District are generally to be delegated to professional staff members of the District.

(g)   Trustees should commit themselves to emphasize the positive, avoiding hidden agendas, gossip or other negative forms of interaction.

(h)  Trustees should commit themselves to focus on issues and not personalities.  The presentation of the opinions of others should be encouraged.  Cliques and voting blocks based on personalities rather than issues should be avoided.

(i)    Differing viewpoints are healthy in the decision-making process.  Individuals have the right to disagree with ideas and opinions, but without being disagreeable.  Once the Board of Trustees takes action Trustees should commit to supporting said action and not create barriers to the implementation of said action.

(j)    The work of the District is a team effort.  All individuals should work together in the collaborative process, assisting each other in conducting the affairs of the District.

(k)  Trustees should develop a working relationship with the General Manager wherein current issues, concerns, and District projects can be discussed comfortably and openly.

(l)    Trustees should practice the following procedures while working with the General Manager, District staff, and District consultants:

1.       In seeking clarification on information items, Trustees may directly approach professional staff members to obtain information needed to supplement, upgrade, or enhance their knowledge to improve legislative decision-making.

2.       In handling complaints from residents and property owners of the District, said complaints should be referred directly to the General Manager or delegated District staff.

3.       Items related to safety, concerns for safety, or hazards should be reported to the General Manager or District office.  Emergency situations should be dealt with immediately by seeking appropriate assistance.

4.       When approached by District personnel concerning specific District policy, Trustees should direct inquiries to the appropriate staff supervisor.  The chain of command should be followed.