It's not true that ethics don't exist in politics. They do govern political decisions.
They are not written in a manual. Nor are they a matter of record. They are an on-going factor in the process of decision-making. They are handed down from experienced members or municipal staff. Failing either, they come from judgement of what is fair, just, equitable and consistent. . They are not principles of law or morality.
Openness and transparency is a critical and meaningful concept. Some decisions however must be made in private.
Example is the best illustration.
A vacancy occurs on a board or committee. Residents are invited to seek appointment. Name,
reasons for interest, and background experience are submitted to the town.
Only one candidate can be selected. Making an application should not mean a rejection in public. A split vote for one or other candidate would be public and a matter of record...a result which would be both undesirable and unjust.
Also unacceptable is for any councillor to be compelled to support a particular candidate where confidence is lacking.
The issue is easily resolved by slecting a candidate who has the support of all members.
The decision is neither moral or legal. It 's ethical.
Recently, there was a need to articulate the principle . A screech of outrage erupted with an ever- ready accusation of bullying to obtain a particular result.
As often happens in Aurora during this term , in the open and behind closed doors, conduct is neither orderly nor ethical.Civility goes by the board.Anarchy rules.
It doesn't mean ethics don't exist in municipal politics. It just means our current council is not an acceptable model. It is not the norm .
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