City Council Votes On New Code of Ethics

WCCB Charlotte,

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CHARLOTTE, NC – Holding elected officials accountable or punishing them for one corrupt politician’s actions.Β That was the debate on Monday tonight during a vote on a revised ethics policy for Charlotte City Council.

Less than five months ago, former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges. Β He was sentenced to 44 months in prison for accepting bribes while in office.Β 
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Now, the city’s Code of Ethics is in question.
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“I think we need to have one that does have some teeth and does show the public we’re above reproach and show we’re looking to fetter out some of the perks that go along with service,” said Councilmen Kenny Smith. Β 
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The latest Code of Ethics was developed in 2010. It’s vague, requiring the mayor and council to obey the law, act with integrity and avoid acts for personal gain.
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The revised Code of Ethics cracks down on what gifts council members can accept that could impact votes, how citizen complaints are investigated and what information the mayor and council have to disclose.
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Each year, the mayor and council members will have to disclose businesses they own or manage, real estate they own and seats they hold on non-profit boards
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The most debated change: gifts.Β The code lists 10 exceptions to what gifts council members can accept. Β 
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With the council’s action on Monday night, the revised Code of Ethics goes into effect immediately.
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“I firmly believe that we should not receive tickets to sporting events, concerts, arts events and other entertainment,” said Smith.
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Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield disagrees. She says Cannon’s actions shouldn’t drive the Code of Ethics.Β 
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“One individual having access and taking advantage of that access and now we’re all in this face of fear,” said Mayfield.
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The revised Code of Ethics also requires that citizen complaints be reviewed by an independent investigator instead of the city attorney.