See Novack's letter:
Ethics & the City of Pewaukee
At the September 5th Common Council Meeting, the City of Pewaukee adopted an Ethics Ordinance. Its “Statement of Purpose” declares:
“Public officials are agents of the public purpose, should hold their position as a public trust and should exercise their judgments for the benefit of the public. Their conduct or action in the performance of official duties should be above reproach and in a manner that avoids any conflict or reasonable appearance of conduct so as to foster respect for government.”
The ordinance had been under discussion at the two previous Common Council Meetings so its basic content was a “known” for some time now. Unfortunately, just days before its passage, a City of Pewaukee elected official decided to use his office in an attempt to influence a more lenient sentence for a convicted felon, Anthony Balistreri, a former City of Pewaukee elected official. Well, so much for expecting that our elected officials will “exercise their judgments for the benefit of the public.”
I respect everyone’s right to voice their opinions as private citizens. However, when Mr. Mokros signed his letter “Alderman, 3rd District, City of Pewaukee” I believe he crossed the line, presenting himself as an official in performance of official duties. Did he clearly violate a specific ethical rule subject to sanctions? Probably not. Did he violate a basic trust given to him by his constituents in his elected capacity? Only voters in the 3rd District can ultimately say. But to me, yes – he did. I have signed this letter with my elected title – but not to try to curry favor for a convicted felon. My signature expresses my commitment to holding myself to only the highest standard of ethical behavior. I believe I have the right to expect an equal commitment from my fellow aldermen. Unfortunately, one camp has now been heard from …and his message was extremely disappointing.
Kathleen Novack
Alderman, 1st District
City of Pewaukee
http://www.pbgnetwork.org/article.php?story=20060918080554590