After Councilman’s social media attacks, City Council adopts Code of Conduct to police Member behavior
The Midland City Council has adopted a Code of Conduct for its members as well as its political appointees, such as the members of the various local boards and commissions which advise the council. The code polices Member behavior and prohibits “rudeness, disrespectful comments, insults, name-calling, abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives” of other officials.
The move comes after Councilman Pam Hall (Ward 1) made bombastic comments on social media late last year, falsely accusing her political opponent, Jeremy Rodgers, of being a white supremacist. Ms. Hall also said that Midland Mayor — and fellow councilman — Maureen Donker (Ward 2) — was an “[extension] of the worst kind of male privilege and do not truly help free other women” and a “Stepford [Wife], Handmaiden’s Tale.”
Ms. Hall later made a public apology for her comments in a letter to the editor in the Daily News.
The formal proposal was initiated by City Attorney James O. Branson III and was developed after private conversations were conducted between Members who were concerned about Ms. Hall’s comments.
“The attached proposed City of Midland Code of Conduct for members of City Council and the City’s boards and commissions is designed to ensure public confidence in the integrity of local government in its effective, open, and fair operation,” Mr. Branson wrote to City Manager C. Bradley Kaye in a letter proposing the code. “In addition, it is to apply the idea that what any one member does has an impact on the effectiveness and actions of the whole in both positive and negative ways.”
Each Member of the City Council, as well as the various City boards and commissions, is required to sign the code. The code has 16 major sections, including subjects such as acting in the public interest, complying with the law, positive workplace environment, and ensuring that Council requests of City staff go through the City Manager’s or City Attorney’s offices. It was formally adopted at the City Council’s Jan. 25 meeting.
Michael Westendorf is the chairman and executive editor of Chemical City Paper. As Executive Editor, he leads the City Paper’s news coverage and editorial team.