The ICMA Executive Board censured two members at its May 31 meeting for conduct that violated the ICMA Code of Ethics. Those actions upheld recommendations made by the ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct, the body responsible for determining whether a member’s conduct violated the Code.

Leon Churchill, former city manager, Tracy, California, was publicly censured and had his ICMA Credential revoked for conduct that violated Tenets 3 and 12 of the ICMA Code of Ethics. Churchill acknowledged using the city credit card on multiple occasions for personal items totaling more than $4,400. While Churchill ultimately reimbursed the city for the expenses, the executive board concluded that Churchill failed in his affirmative responsibility to comply with city policy, protect public resources, and set the appropriate standard of conduct for the city. 

Daniel Danicic, former city manager, Newberg, Oregon, was publicly censured for conduct that violated Tenets 2, 3, and 12 of the ICMA Code of Ethics. Danicic engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a subordinate employee for approximately two years and then failed to properly disclose the relationship.  The board found that Danicic created a conflict of interest by engaging in the relationship with the employee. Furthermore, the relationship opened the door for a claim of discrimination that was settled by the city at a cost of $44,000.

Members are encouraged to read the ICMA Code of Ethics and Guidelines and to seek advice when unsure of their ethical obligation by contacting Martha Perego, ICMA director of ethics at 202-962-3668 / mperego@icma.org or Jared Dailey, program manager, at 202-962-3557 / jdailey@icma.org.  Ethics advice, information, and the ICMA Code of Ethics are available online at icma.org/ethics.