Here is one prediction that I hope comes true: The campaigns hit the pause button, take a summer breather, and give everyone a break. If it happens, then what better time for ICMA members to consider how they will participate in, react to, and address the slew of political issues, opportunities, and challenges headed their way between now and November 8.

Politics Matter

Politics is a given in a democracy. The challenge is not to make it go away or marginalize its role or importance, but rather to encourage those working in local governments and especially ICMA members to consider the intersection of politics and their work. And what they should do when they reach that intersection.

From the very first draft of the ICMA Code of Ethics to now, political neutrality is and remains the foundational principle of the local government management profession. Think about this analogy. Just as the United States was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state, the profession was founded on the separation of management and politics.

Each has its distinct role; however, one should not interfere with or usurp the responsibility of the other. Many years down the road, we will continue the lively debate about the distinction between the two, and the search for the sometimes elusive line of demarcation goes on.

The Guiding Principle

Tenet 7 of the Code states that members should “Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body.”

How best to build public confidence in you as a professional—to ensure that your recommendations and work product are independent and objective, and viewed as such? Deliver services based on equity rather than on who wields political influence.

Stay out of the process of electing candidates for any public office. Limit your participation to voting for the candidate of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions from ICMA members to consider as you map your pathway to November:

Q. Who exactly is covered by Tenet 7?

A. Only those ICMA members who work for a local government. Students, academics, retirees, life members, and those working in the private or nonprofit sectors are exempt from Tenet 7. If you serve as a senior adviser for ICMA, check in with your state association sponsor before engaging in political activity.

Q. Can I register for a political party in order to vote in a closed primary?

A. Yes. ICMA members have the right and responsibility to vote. If registering with a party is a requirement to vote, you may do so. Same goes for participating in a caucus to vote.

Q. It’s a little late given that the primaries are over, but is it okay to sign a petition to get a candidate on the ballot? It’s just step one in a long process, so it seems okay to me. And any registered voter can sign the petition.

A. Signing a petition may seem pretty innocuous; however, it lends the appearance of support for the candidate, and for that reason is not recommended. After all, would you sign a petition for a candidate that you loathed?

Q. In addition to voting for the candidate of my choice for president, I want to make a donation. My modest donation may not count much, but the physical statement of support is important to me. Is this okay?

A. Donations are tied to names and occupations and are a matter of public record. So while your donation is probably tiny in the grand scheme, you are publicly stating your support for this candidate.

The election guideline in the ICMA Code of Ethics states that members shall not make financial contributions or participate in fund-raising activities for individuals seeking or holding elected office.

Q. What if my spouse feels the same way and wants to make a donation? Or put a sign in our yard or a bumper sticker on the family car?

A. The Code only applies to the conduct of the member. So your spouse can make a campaign donation, even from a joint account, as long as he or she signs the check. The yard sign and bumper sticker are stickier issues to address.

The member isn’t in ethical hot water if the spouse puts up the sign. But it’s an appearance issue. How would anyone else know that it is the spouse who supports the candidate and not you? Best to have that candid conversation with your spouse about how one spouse’s political activity can affect the other.

In the next PM, I will tackle more complex issues, including support of an issue-oriented cause, attendance at campaign events and debates, and what to do when a candidate shows up in your community.

If you have a question you would like to have answered, send it my way at mperego@icma.org.