The ICMA Executive Board voted to publicly censure Penelle Paderewski, town administrator, New Castle, New York, and permanently bar her from future membership in ICMA. Paderewski, while serving as the town administrator, campaigned as a candidate for an elected seat on the New Castle governing body. Candidate Paderewski received the endorsement of the local party as well as the endorsement of the governor of New York. In the presentation of her qualifications for elected office, Paderewski referenced her position as town administrator citing the town’s many achievements.

Running for any elected office while serving as an appointed local government official is a clear violation of the profession’s hallmark principle of political neutrality. It’s a serious violation of Tenet 7 of the ICMA Code of Ethics. But running from the manager’s office for a position on the employing governing body also creates an inherent conflict of interest. Every directive, recommendation, and statement emanating from the manager’s office will be subjected to the same legitimate question: Whose interests are being served? The community’s or the candidate’s? And how do we know?

Consider as well the impact on the relationship with the governing body? Once a candidate manager has declared his or her political allegiance, how can he or she fulfill his or her ethical duty to serve equally all members of the governing body?  

Manager as candidate undermines public confidence in both the individual as well as the office. Residents of New Castle raised concerns in letters to the editor during Paderewski’s unsuccessful bid for office.

Members who have questions about their ethical obligations under the ICMA Code of Ethics or who are seeking confidential advice are encouraged to contact Martha Perego, ICMA director of Ethics, at 202-962-3668 or mperego@icma.org; or Jared Dailey, program manager, at 202-962-3557 or jdailey@icma.org.