Ethics Board

In 1977 the City of Milwaukee adopted an ethics code for its elected officials, supervisory personnel, boards and commissions. The ethics code provides the best vehicle to assure the community that its officials recognize that the holding of public office is a public trust. Ethical conduct is truly a matter of performing one's duties and responsibilities in accordance with established rules and guidelines of good, sound judgment. Showing strict regard for ethical conduct is essential in order to maintain high public esteem. Our public officials are very concerned with this issue. The community, in turn, should be equally concerned with the rights and reputation of its dedicated public officials. Public cooperation is required to assist the Ethics Board in maintaining Milwaukee's reputation for high ethical standards and conduct.


Role of the Ethics Board
The major concern of the Ethics Board is the preservation of the high ethical standards of the City of Milwaukee. The Ethics Board addresses this concern by:

• Issuing confidential advisory opinions to covered persons with respect to their own situation or plans. A factual summary will be issued annually deleting all personal references.
• Investigating sworn complaints. The board provides a format and process for filing complaints. While a complaint and the findings of the Board may become matters of public record, only the complainant's name will be released until the Board has concluded its review.
• Requiring annual financial statements. The Board reviews a simple form which asks for information on the issues that could give rise to conflicts of interest. No detailed financial disclosure is required. The individuals required to file such statements are listed by position in the Positions Ordinance.
  

Who Is Covered?
The Ethics Ordinance of the City of Milwaukee specifically covers:

• Office holders or candidates for public office
• Employees in the classified service.
• Exempt employees.
• Citizens serving on boards or commissions.
  
  

What Concerns Are Addressed?
The major concern of the Ethics Board is to maintain the high ethical standards of Milwaukee's City government. The ordinance prohibits:

• Business associations, financial interests or other activities which could give rise to conflicts of interest in fact or appearance.