The commitment by ICMA members to political neutrality dates back to the original ICMA Code of Ethics. That first version simply yet boldly stated that “No city manager should play an active role in politics.” Strict adherence to this long-held value of the profession enables appointed managers to be impartial and fair in all matters and to serve elected officials, staff, and members of the community equally.

A manager’s or assistant manager’s credibility can easily be damaged by engaging in activities related to a campaign for elected office. In this current political climate, that can happen whether the campaign is taking place in the community, state or national level. When professional managers serve only in the role they were hired to fill, there is no doubt or confusion about whose interests they are serving and no ambiguity about their role in any given interaction. From the profession’s perspective, it is clearly incompatible to hold an appointed position in local government and serve as an elected official.

 The ICMA Executive Board addressed this issue at its June meeting when it voted to publicly censure Dennis Recker, city administrator, Northwood, Ohio, and to permanently bar him from future membership in ICMA. While serving as Northwood’s city administrator, Recker was elected to a seat on the governing board for the Village of Whitehouse, Ohio. He continues to serve as both an appointed and elected official.  

ICMA members who are working in local government should limit their participation in the election process to voting. They should not run for elected office, sign nominating petitions, make donations or endorse candidates.

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 Jared Dailey, program manager, at 202-962-3557.