VIEWPOINT
AMCTO Staff
Andy Koopmans , CPA , CMA , CMO Executive Director
Craig Wellington Director , Programs & Services
Rick Johal Director , Member & Sector Relations
It ’ s a Matter of Ethics
Nadeem Dean , CPA , CMA Manager , Finance & Administration
Anubha Meta , Ph . D . Manager , Education & PD Program Development
Brenda Armstrong Johnston Specialist , Membership Services
Michelle Sampson Executive Assistant
Kathleen Barrett Coordinator , Communications & Marketing
Lynda Staples Project Manager , Municipal Accessibility
Debra Bellamy Coordinator , Accreditation & Coordinator , Municipal Accessibility
Jeanne Moon Coordinator , Programs & Services
Rosita Bourke Coordinator , Programs & Services
Manjit Badh Coordinator , Programs & Services
Eric Muller Coordinator , Legislative Services
6 Q2 2015 www . amcto . com
By Andy Koopmans , CPA , CMA , CMO Executive Director , AMCTO
Over the years I suspect that we ’ ve all read or heard the stories of municipal professionals caught up in questionable ( and sometimes illegal ) situations . While these situations have sometimes resulted in terminations or even criminal charges , in my mind the greater problem is the fact that such instances are often used as a generalized example of how the municipal profession functions . Although I certainly don ’ t believe that such a generalization is even remotely true , I do have to wonder how , as municipal professionals , people can find themselves in such situations in the first place .
I think the answer to the question is , in part , the fact that the environment in which you are operating has changed dramatically over the years . As was noted in a recent staff report to the AMCTO Board of Directors , “[ t ] he world of municipal government is increasingly complex in part due to a growing list of rules , regulations and procedures . The environment
is subject to intense media scrutiny , which is leading to an escalation of public scandals – which may appear political in nature but often has a direct impact on the integrity and perception of professionalism amongst municipal staff . Couple this with the increasing financial and political pressures that weigh on senior administrators and it becomes important that AMCTO provide straightforward and effective guidance to assist municipal professionals in the execution of their duties .”
So what do you need to do ? First and foremost , I believe ( as do many others ) that the best guidance must come from your own internal moral compass , which should help you in determining an appropriate course of action to follow when faced with the “ grey areas ” that are an accepted part of working in a professional , political and public environment . Using this internal compass , you must assess your possible courses of action and determine which one ensures that