A. The purpose of this code is to acknowledge that all public officials and employees hold a public trust and are expected to adhere to a standard of behavior that does not violate, provide an opportunity to violate, or appear to violate that trust, and that shall not present apparent or actual conflicts of interest between the public trust and private interests. In addition, it is declared to be the policy of the City that no employee shall use his or her public employment for the private financial gain of that employee, or to secure special privileges for that public official or employee or any other person.

B. The City of Lakewood is committed to conducting its business in a fair, open, efficient and accountable manner. Public officials and employees shall conduct their public and private actions and financial dealings in a manner consistent with this policy. Each official and employee is assumed and expected to act in accordance with all laws and codes of ethics that may apply to his or her position, as well as striving to avoid even an appearance of impropriety in the conduct of his or her office or business. Each employee should be informed of this Code of Ethics and meet its requirements. [Ord. 27 § 1, 1996.]