June 2006 · Volume 88 · Number 5 

Ethics
HIS FUTURE IN-LAWS HAVE POLITICAL AMBITIONS
Q. The city manager, who recently became engaged, has been invited to a barbecue at his future in-laws' home. At first, he said, yes, but then he had second thoughts when he realized it was a private fund-raising party for his future mother-in-law's campaign for the school board. Although the school board is funded by the county government and there are no direct ties to the city government, the city manager was uncomfortable about attending the event.
When he spoke to his fiancé about his professional obligation to steer clear of political activity, she said she was concerned that her family would be offended if he did not attend. The family has long been active in fundraising for candidates and is well regarded in the community. His fiance asked him how it could be a problem to attend the event, when all the city manager would be expected to do was greet the guests and help serve the food.
A. The ICMA Code of Ethics is clear in its message that ICMA members cannot participate in any political activities to support the candidacy of individuals running for any city, county, special-district, school, state, or federal office. Fund-raising activities are high on the list of political activities to avoid. Now is a good time for the city manager to have a heart-to-heart conversation with his fiancé about his professional obligations and to enlist her support in explaining his unique circumstances to her family. 
For advice on the ICMA Code of Ethics, or to find out more on ethics training and technical assistance available to local governments, call the Ethics Center at ICMA at 202/962-3521, or visit the Web site at http://icma.org/ethics. Calls or e-mails can also be directed to ICMA’s ethics advisers Martha Perego, 202/962-3668, mperego@icma.org, and Elizabeth Kellar, 202/962-3611, ekellar@icma.org. 

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