Each member of the City Council, commissions, and committee, has a duty to:
2.1 Support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and State of California; take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and well and faithfully discharge the duties of office.
2.2 Abide by and defend all laws including, but not limited to, the political campaign, lobbying, and conflict of interest laws enforced by the Fair Political Practices Commission, State laws, and the Lake Forest Municipal Code.
2.3 Safeguard ability to make independent, objective, fair and impartial judgments by scrupulously avoiding financial and social relationships and transactions that may compromise, or give the appearance of compromising, objectivity, independence, and honesty.
2.4 Carefully consider if exceeding or appearing to exceed authority of office for personal and/or financial gain. When in doubt, avoid actions that create, in the mind of a reasonable observer, the appearance of impropriety, ethical lapses, legal violations, or actions inconsistent with the Leadership Principles.
2.5 Deter rumors and misunderstandings by making factual information available, answering questions directly, telling the truth, and admitting a lack of knowledge if one exists.
2.6 Refrain from making unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the City. Refrain from any gratuitous comments that may harm the City's position in litigation or potential litigation.
2.7 Refrain from using status as a public office holder to influence the outcome of a community meeting. Avoid changing the dynamic of a meeting by remaining a neutral observer, indicating when expressing personal opinions and referring questions related to City policies to staff.
2.8 Attendance by a member of the City Council at a Parks and Recreation Commission, or Planning Commission, or other City meeting regulated by the Brown Act, is discouraged if a matter before either commission will be heard at a future City Council meeting. The same standard applies to commission and committee members.
2.9 Utilize City resources, including but not limited to, equipment, supplies, staff time, telephones, computers, and fax machines in a manner consistent with City regulations, the Fair Political Practices Commission and State laws.
