Our code of ethical conduct

Think, for a moment, of the Kentucky Derby.

Call our horse UASD – the Utah Association of Special Districts – and after keeping pace in the early laps, we’ve come to the part of the race where we’re going to edge forward and leave the others in our dust.

That gives an idea of where we are right now at UASD, moving toward the 2018 State of Utah Legislature General Session. We’re meeting with legislators, attending interim sessions to get a feel for what’s coming and letting them know more about our local and special service districts.

It lays the groundwork for the final laps in January, leaving us primed to support legislation that allows our members to provide our fellow Utahns with quality of life and reason out the bills that would limit their operations.

But all of this would be for nothing if we didn’t conduct ourselves in a way that earns the trust and respect of our lawmakers and the public. Enter our Code of Ethical Conduct, worth reading again as we approach the finish line.

• It starts with a call to “maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fortitude in all public activities.” This is crucial not only in working with the legislature but in earning the trust of the people we serve as well.
• At the same time, as units of government ourselves, we carry the responsibility of seeking the truth, along with showing sensitivity to the rights and responsibilities of others. That includes never compromising honesty and integrity for advancement, honor or personal gain. To proceed with anything but legal and ethical means is not acceptable.
• Finally, we must take every opportunity, year-round, to increase public awareness and understanding of our local and special service districts and what they do. So many good things are underway around the state, in everything from animal control and cemeteries to the water you drink, because of the men and women who work every day to protect your services.

There’s a lot riding on our shoulders but we’re up to the task, meeting your expectations in a way that will make all of us proud.