May 28, 2009

Webster's dictionary defines Ethics as "The principles of conduct governing an individual or group; a guiding philosophy of a profession." While most agencies have an established Code of Ethics or Conduct and employees are expected to abide by it, frequently we assume this only applies to elected officials or involves only taking monetary bribes. Really big and obvious infringements. Public Works employees are faced with ethical dilemmas as well. What is your agency doing to provide ongoing training and education to your staff? Is it OK to accept tickets to the football game from the chemical supplier? How about lunch from an engineering firm who hopes to do business with your department or may even already be doing business? Surely doesn't involve baseball gaps and ballpoint pens, does it?

The speakers for this session will share insight into how public works employees may be placed in situations that require them to make ethical choices or how the choices they may be making are really ethical ones but they may not be aware of the importance of their decision.

• Doug Brown, Public Works Director, Overland Park, KS
• Steve Horton, City Manager, Covington, GA
• Dave Frazier, Vice President, Merrick and Company, Aurora, CO
• Alan Briley, City Administrator, Elephant Butte, NM

During the call if you would like to submit questions to the speakers you may send them to mentoring@apwa.net. All questions will be addressed at the end of the call.

The call is Free. This is an audio call and can be taken from your desk or from a speaker phone in your conference room with staff members sharing the call and then discussing the topic afterwards. The call is also available to download to an MP3 player within 48 hours.

Dial-in information:

1-877-339-0022
Participant Passcode: *2682678*
(YOU MUST HAVE THE STAR BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE NUMBERS.)