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CITY OF EL CERRITO CODE OF CONDUCT FOR APPOINTED OFFICIALS • Appointed Officials work for the City Council and the common good of the people of El Cerrito and not for any private or personal interest. • Appointed Officials must endeavor to treat all members of the public and issues before them in a fair and equitable manner. • Appointed Officials shall make impartial decisions, free of bribes, unlawful gifts, narrow political interests and financial or other personal interests that impair independence of judgment or action. • Board, commission, and committee decisions should be fair, objective, made in public, and understandable. • Appointed Officials shall fully participate in their meetings and other public forums while demonstrating respect and courtesy to others, practicing civility and decorum in discussions and debate, listening courteously and attentively, and engaging in effective communication. Appointed Officials are expected to contact their staff liaison if they cannot attend a scheduled meeting. • Appointed Officials should act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts in accordance with the Brown Act to allow full and equal participation in the public process. • Appointed Officials shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character, motives, ethics or morals of other members of their board, other boards, staff or public. • Appointed Officials shall respect and preserve the confidentiality of information provided to them concerning confidential matters of the City, and refrain from disclosing any information received confidentially without proper legal authorization nor use such information to advance the personal, financial, or private interests of themselves or others. • Appointed Officials should use their title only when conducting official City business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise, carefully considering whether they are exceeding or appearing to exceed their authority. • Appointed Officials should respect established channels of communication with City staff, treat staff members professionally, and shall not attempt to pressure or influence discussions, recommendations, workloads, schedules or department priorities without the approval of a majority of the City Council. Appointed Officials shall not attempt to solicit any type of political support from the City Council or City staff. • To the best of their ability, Appointed Officials shall represent the official policies and positions of the City Council. In unofficial settings, Appointed Officials should be clear in representing to the public, other agencies, and the media whether their comments or statements represent the official City position or a personal viewpoint.