Mayor and Council have once again signed a pledge promising to “practice and promote civility in the city.”
Last year, Mayor and Council also signed the pledge, but with two new councilmembers – Norman A. Carter Jr. and Kerry Hetherington - joining the governing body following the last year’s election, another pledge was in order.
“The members of city council, as elected representatives of the community and stewards of the public trust, recognize their special role in modeling open, free and vigorous debate while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty and mutual respect,” the pledge created by Georgia Municipal Association reads. “City council meetings are open to the public and thus how city officials execute their legal duties is on public display. Civility by city officials in the execution of their legislative duties and responsibilities fosters respect, kindness and thoughtfulness between city officials, avoiding personal ill will which results in actions being directed to issues made in the best interests of residents.”
The pledge “strives to ensure that all communication be open, honest, and transparent as this is vital for cultivating trust and relationships.”
As part of the pledge, council members agree to refrain from texting, sending email or any other actions that display a lack of concern or attention to the city's business during meetings. The pledge also strives to ensure that all communication be open, honest, and transparent.