Ethics Set as Major Issue in Survey

Our recent survey about ethics underscores the seriousness that our community gives this question as a new government is being developed.

Authority to Write and Amend Ethics Policy:
76% of the respondents said ethical rules should be in the charter and only amended by a public vote. 20.5% of the respondents said ethics policies should not be included in the charter and should be written by the legislative body. 3.5% had no opinion.

Ethical Standards for Boards and Commissions:
89.7% of respondents said local boards and commissions should have ethical standards but not with the same level of penalties as elected officials. 7.9% of respondents said local boards and commission members are volunteers and don’t need the same ethical standards as elected officials. 2.4% had no opinion.

Ethical Standards for Elected Officials and Government Employees:
71.6% of respondents said elected officials and government employees should abide by the same level of ethical standards. 27.2% of respondents stated that there should be higher ethical standards for elected positions. .4% of respondents stated that there should be higher ethical standards for government employees. .8% had no opinion.

Anti-Nepotism Standards:
90.7% of respondents said the new government should have anti-nepotism policy. 5.8% of respondents stated that the metropolitan government should not have an anti-nepotism policy. 3.5% had no opinion on this issue.

Anti-Cronyism Standards:
81.2% of respondents said the metropolitan government should have an anti-cronyism policy. 15.3% of respondents said it should not have an anti-cronyism policy. 3.5% of respondents had no opinion. Recommendations included creation of a review board for appointees and the creation of a minimum qualifications standard for all appointees.

Anti-Fraternization Standards:
50% of respondents said Memphis and Shelby County Charter Commission should research and include an anti-fraternization policy in the charter. 41% stated that an anti-fraternization policy should not be included and 8.7% had no opinion.

Thank you for your continued interest in a new government and for your involvement with Rebuild Government.