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Copyrighted by SANTA CLARA COUNTY CODE & Municipal Code Corporation, 1998.

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CHAPTER I.
PURPOSE AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION

Sec. A3-1. Purpose of the code of ethics.

(a) The proper operation of democratic government requires that elected officials be responsible to the people; that public office not be improperly influenced or used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a code of ethics for the Board of Supervisors.

(b) The purpose of this code of ethics is to describe in one code existing ethics laws and to establish ethical standards of conduct for the Board of Supervisors. These new standards provide more stringent limits on: 1) campaign contributions, 2) actions that are in conflict or incompatible with the best interests of the County, and 3) the use of the office for personal gain. The provisions of this code of ethics are hereby declared to be in the best interest of the County and for the protection of the public interest.

(Ord. No. NS-19.30.4, § 1, 9-23-97)

Sec. A3-2. Responsibilities of public office.

(a) Board members hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and California, the County Charter, and to carry out impartially the laws of the nation, State and the County. They are bound to observe the highest standards of performance and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office, regardless of personal considerations.

(b) The purposes of Chapters III through VI of this code of ethics are to assure that: 1) Board members exercise their official powers in pursuit of the public interest without regard to personal interest, and 2) Board offices not be used for private gain before, during or following holding the office.

(Ord. No. NS-19.30.4, § 1, 9-23-97)

Sec. A3-3. Rules of interpretation.

(a) This code of ethics shall be construed broadly in order to effectuate its purposes.

(b) To the extent practicable, the words and phrases used in this code of ethics shall be interpreted consistent with their meaning under existing general California law, including the Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended, and regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

(c) To the extent that the provisions of this division are more stringent than existing general California law or regulations, the more stringent provisions control. To the extent that the limitations and requirements imposed by this code of ethics are different from those set forth in general California ethics laws or regulations they shall be applied and interpreted so as to be no less stringent than those laws or regulations.

(Ord. No. NS-19.30.4, § 1, 9-23-97)

Sec. A3-4. Distribution of rules.

Each candidate and campaign treasurer shall be provided a copy of this code at the time he or she files a declaration of candidacy. Each shall sign an acknowledgment that he or she has read and understood the code and agrees to be bound by its terms.

(Ord. No. NS-19.30.4, § 1, 9-23-97)

Secs. A3-5--A3-9. Reserved.

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