by Gayle L. Rice and Anthony F. Perrone
Revolutionary ideas regarding governing come from many places, but the public usually does not associate these types of ideas with political campaign promises. Nevertheless, it was through a campaign promise designed to radically change the way government interacted with the private sector that led to the creation of the first comprehensive local government ethics code in the United States.
In the spring of 1995, former Mayor John Delaney felt that the days of good ol’ boy politics in Northeast Florida needed to come to an end if Jacksonville was to rightfully take its place as “the Bold New City of the South.” During the campaign, he unveiled an idea to create a comprehensive ethics code that would be the boldest change in local government since the City consolidated in 1968.
Delaney, members of the General Counsel’s Office, and various other authors wanted the code to transform a local government that had not always been respected for ethical issues into one that had the trust and respect of its citizens. The City’s Ethics Code was not to be just a set of minimum standards for behavior by public employees. Instead, it was a revolutionary aspiration for government employees to set the very highest standards in their official dealings.
The Ethics Code was to act as a guide for public employees, helping them to provide honest and responsible service to local residents. In fact, the Code states that the officers and employees of the City and its independent agencies are public servants of the people and hold their position for the benefit of the public.
Additionally, these public servants are intended to strive to maintain the respect of the people and to meet the highest standards of ethics consistent with the Code, regardless of personal considerations and agendas.
The Code also established means for attaining these aspirational goals. These included the consolidation of all ethics-related ordinances (in order to facilitate reference and training) and the creation of an ethics officer. The ethics officer was charged with encouraging compliance with the Code, coordinating ethics training, developing a citywide program for attaining the Code’s revolutionary goals for City employees and elected officials, and updating that program.
On June 4, 1999, Delaney signed into law the Jacksonville Ethics Code. It remains the standard for local governments throughout North America. The Ethics Code is available through the General Counsel’s Office at 630-1700.
— Gayle L. Rice, a University of Florida graduate, worked for the General Counsel’s Office as an Intern during 2003 and is currently seeking an associate attorney position in Jacksonville. Anthony F. Perrone is the general counsel for Team In Focus, Inc. He worked for the General Counsel’s Office from 1998 until 2003 and was involved in the drafting and passage of the Jacksonville Ethics Code. If you would like to write an article about an ethical or professionalism experience that others in the Bar may learn from, please contact Caroline Emery, chair of the Professionalism Column,