A. It is the policy of the city of Maricopa to uphold, promote and demand the highest standards of ethics from its mayor and city council. The mayor and the city council shall maintain the utmost standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as public servants, comply with all applicable laws and never use their city position or powers improperly or for personal gain. By operating with these values, the city shall build, maintain, and enhance the trust of the public, staff and fellow councilmembers. This code of ethics has been created to ensure that all elected officials have clear guidance for carrying out their responsibilities.

B. All city officials shall obey and observe the letter and spirit of the constitution and laws of the United States of America, the constitution and laws of the state of Arizona, and the code, laws and policies of the city of Maricopa applicable to city officials, including the city’s code of ethics.

C. As a prerequisite for exercising any power of office, each city official is required to read and agree in writing to comply with the provisions of these laws, regulations, policies and this ethics code. [Ord. 13-12; Code 2004 § 2-131.]