Code of Ethics

Recognizing that persons who hold public office have been given a public trust and that the stewardship of such office demands the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct, any person serving on the King George County Board of Supervisors will adhere to the following Code of Ethics.

1. Uphold the Constitution, laws and regulations of the United States and all governments therein and never knowingly be a party to their evasion.
2. Put loyalty to the highest moral principles and the County as a whole - above loyalty to individuals, particular groups, districts or sections of King George County.
3. Give a full measure of effort and service to the position of trust for which stewardship has been granted; giving an earnest effort and best thought to the performance of duties.
4. Seek to find and use the most equitable, efficient, and economical means for getting tasks accomplished.
5. Adopt policies and programs that support the rights and recognize the needs of all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, country of origin or handicapping condition. Avoid adopting policies, supporting programs or engaging in activities that discriminate against or offend individuals of race, sex, age, religion, creed, country of origin or handicapping condition.
6. Ensure the integrity of the actions of the Board of Supervisors by avoiding discrimination through the dispersing of special favors or unfair privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not. A member should never accept for himself or herself or for family members, favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of one's governmental duties.
7. Make no private promise of any kind binding upon the duties of any office, since a public servant has no private word which can be binding on public duty.
8. Engage in no business with the County Government or School division, either directly or indirectly, which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of government duties except as may be consistent with the conflict of interest statutes in the Code of Virginia.
9. Never use any information gained confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means of making a private profit.
10. Expose through appropriate means and channels, corruption, misconduct, or neglect of duty by County personnel or officials whenever discovered.
11. Adhere to the principle that the public's business should be conducted in the public view by observing and following the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act using closed sessions only to deal with sensitive personnel, legal, contractual or other matters as specifically provided by the Code of Virginia.
12. Avoid using the position of public trust to gain access to the media for the purposes of criticizing colleagues, citizens or employees, impugning their integrity or vilifying their personal beliefs.
13. Make sure, when responding to the media, that a clear distinction is made between personal opinion or belief and a decision made by the board.
14. Review orally and in public session at the annual organizational meeting each of these principles.
15. Pledge to honor and uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust.