Question: As the county manager what steps would you take?

1. Generally answer the councilwoman as to books, tapes, or other resources but avoid discussing that city specifically (or its mayor and manager).

We feel answer #3 is actually the best place to begin – and add elements from number 1 and 2 as you feel comfortable.  When you talk to the city manager, be sure that he understands you are calling because you know the Code, and that helps to establish the context for your comments. This is a good opportunity to provide management advice, but to do so as an ICMA and FCCMA member, you need to adhere to the requirements of Tenets 1 and 2. You can include the advice of numbers 1 and 2 – but you should also let her know that you will be talking to the city manager, as a colleague, because it is part of the Code of Ethics. This may even provide you with the opportunity to talk about the importance of the Code, and what it means to you, as a professional manager, to be bound by such obligations.

2. Refer the councilwoman to a Range Rider, who would be able to offer advice and might even attend a council meeting, if invited, to work with the manager and council on the relationship.

We feel answer #3 is actually the best place to begin – and add elements from number 1 and 2 as you feel comfortable.  When you talk to the city manager, be sure that he understands you are calling because you know the Code, and that helps to establish the context for your comments. This is a good opportunity to provide management advice, but to do so as an ICMA and FCCMA member, you need to adhere to the requirements of Tenets 1 and 2. You can include the advice of numbers 1 and 2 – but you should also let her know that you will be talking to the city manager, as a colleague, because it is part of the Code of Ethics. This may even provide you with the opportunity to talk about the importance of the Code, and what it means to you, as a professional manager, to be bound by such obligations.

3. Tell the councilwoman your advice, as in number 1, but also inform her that you will be discussing the matter with the city manager, as you are required to do so by your professional code of ethics.

Correct!  When you talk to the city manager, be sure that he understands you are calling because you know the Code, and that helps to establish the context for your comments. This is a good opportunity to provide management advice, but to do so as an ICMA and FCCMA member, you need to adhere to the requirements of Tenets 1 and 2. You can include the advice of numbers 1 and 2 – but you should also let her know that you will be talking to the city manager, as a colleague, because it is part of the Code of Ethics. This may even provide you with the opportunity to talk about the importance of the Code, and what it means to you, as a professional manager, to be bound by such obligations.

4. Gently let the councilwoman know that you cannot discuss the matter, and excuse yourself from the conversation.

We feel answer #3 is actually the best place to begin – and add elements from number 1 and 2 as you feel comfortable.  When you talk to the city manager, be sure that he understands you are calling because you know the Code, and that helps to establish the context for your comments. This is a good opportunity to provide management advice, but to do so as an ICMA and FCCMA member, you need to adhere to the requirements of Tenets 1 and 2. You can include the advice of numbers 1 and 2 – but you should also let her know that you will be talking to the city manager, as a colleague, because it is part of the Code of Ethics. This may even provide you with the opportunity to talk about the importance of the Code, and what it means to you, as a professional manager, to be bound by such obligations.