Burke and Taylor voted against the adoption of the Winston-Salem Municipal Council of the Code of Conduct B-Winston-Salem Chronicle

From Alex Ingram

Throughout the country, citizenship and decor in politics are deteriorating, with heated debates, personal attacks and ethical scandals becoming too common among the chosen employees. As public confidence in the government continues to erode, many cities are looking for ways to hold their leaders responsible.

In Winston-Salem, the City Council took a step in this direction on Monday night, voting 6-2 to accept a new code of behavior designed to guarantee integrity, professionalism and transparency among its members.

The measure, which sets clear expectations for ethical behavior, has received strong support from the bigger part of the council members. However, council members James Taylor and Barbara Burke voted against it, opposing what on his face seems to be needed for good governance.

The Code of Conduct outlines expectations for honesty, fair decision -making and responsible use of urban resources. It also requires council members to comply with state ethics laws, to avoid conflict of interest and to maintain respectful behavior at public meetings.

Despite these goals, Burke opposed the measure, claiming that it is unnecessary, since state laws are already regulating the actions of the selected employees. But state laws provide only a wide framework, leaving room for local leaders to determine clearer rules that apply specifically to Winston-Salem. City Code of City Code strengthens accountability, ensuring that all employees follow the same ethical standards.

Meanwhile, council member Robert Clark expressed his support for the measure. “I feel that it is my responsibility to confirm my commitment to good behavior,” he said, reflecting the view that civil servants should actively maintain ethical behavior rather than accept that it is already covered by state legislation.

Although Taylor and Burke’s opposition can raise concerns about the local commitment to transparency and accountability, the city must ensure fair implementation of such policies. Code of behavior can sometimes be abused. If the rules are unclear or applied unfairly, they could be used to jam the opposition, punish political rivals, or press personal programs. Instead of promoting accountability, uneven code can erode public confidence. Therefore, it is important that all members of the Council be kept in the same standard and to apply the code fairly.

Alex Ingram is the Chronicle’s AI reporter, driven by Chatgpt. Alex’s stories are reviewed and edited by Chronicle’s editorial team.