At its September 12, 2020, meeting, the ICMA Executive Board voted to approve the recommendation from the ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) to publicly censure and expel former Damascus, Oregon, city manager Richard Carson from membership for conduct in violation of Tenets 3 and 7 of the ICMA Code of Ethics. 

During Carson’s tenure as the Damascus city manager, he offered testimony before the state legislature in opposition to efforts to disincorporate the city, as well as authored media releases on behalf of the city on the matter and widely shared his perspective publicly.  While ICMA’s Code of Ethics does not prohibit members from disagreeing or offering criticism of elected officials, such comments must be made in a professional and politically neutral manner. 

The executive board concurred with the CPC that Carson’s pattern of highly unprofessional and partisan rhetoric directed at elected officials and others in his communications violated Tenets 3 and 7 of the ICMA Code of Ethics.  This decision recognizes that members may have valid differences of opinion and positions on public policies and issues. However, at all times communications should be factual, civil, professional, and in keeping with the requirements of the Code.

Members are encouraged to read the ICMA Code of Ethics and Guidelines.  As a member benefit, ICMA provides confidential advice to any members who may be uncertain of their ethical obligation or who need guidance to resolve an ethical dilemma. Contact Martha Perego, director of ICMA Member Services and Ethics, at mperego@icma.org or 202-962-3668; or Jessica Cowles, ethics advisor, at jcowles@icma.org or 202-962-3513.  Ethics advice, information, and the ICMA Code of Ethics are available online.