Code of Ethics

Mathews County Board of Supervisors Code of Ethics

Adopted January 24, 2023

Recognizing that persons who hold public office have been given a public trust and that the stewardship of such office demands the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct, any person serving on the Mathews County Board of Supervisors should adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

  1. Uphold the Constitution, laws, and regulations of the United States and of all governments therein and never knowingly be a party to their evasion.
  2. Put loyalty to the highest moral principles and to the County above loyalty to individuals, districts, or particular groups.
  3. Give a full measure of effort and service to the position of trust for which stewardship has been granted, giving earnest effort and best thought to the performance of duties.
  4. Seek to find and use the most equitable, efficient, effective, and economical means for getting tasks accomplished.
  5. Adopt policies and programs that do not discriminate against any citizens, and which support the rights and recognize the needs of all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, country of origin or disability.
  6. Adhere to the principle that the public's business should be conducted in the public view by observing and following the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act, using closed meetings only to deal with sensitive personnel, legal or contractual matters as provided by the Code of Virginia.
  7. Ensure the integrity of the actions of the Board of Supervisors by avoiding discrimination through the dispensing of special favors or unfair privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not. A member should never accept for himself or herself or for family members, favors or benefits under circumstances that might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of governmental duties.
  8. Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of any office, since a public servant has no private word that can be binding on public duty. 
  9. Engage in no business with the County government, or the school system, either directly or indirectly, which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of government duties except as may be consistent with the conflict-of-interest statutes in the Code of Virginia.
  10.  Never use any information gained confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means of making private profit.
  11.  When any misconduct. neglect of duty, or corruption is discovered, the members of the Board, as a body, shall pursue and respond appropriately.
  12. Avoid using the position of public trust to criticize colleagues or citizens by impugning their integrity or vilifying their personal beliefs in public or through the media. 
  13. Make sure, when responding to the media, that a clear distinction is made between    personal opinion or belief and a decision made by the Board.
  14. Review orally and in public session at the annual meeting each of these principles.
  15. Pledge to honor and uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust.