Councilman Michael Nowakowski
Phoenix Republic/Northeast Phoenix Republic
Councilman calls for committee on integrity, ethics
Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks recently issued a report exonerating me of violating our City Charter. As many of you may know, I had been accused by a colleague of trying to intervene in a personnel matter involving the police chief. The report, however, vindicates me unequivocally. I'm glad this episode is over, and that we, on the City Council, can move on toward making Phoenix a better place for our residents.
After being confronted by the media about the false accusations of violating City Charter, I stepped out of character and called my colleague “a liar”. In hindsight, I believe I was justifiably upset. Nevertheless, I should have done as my father taught me and attacked the claim as opposed to the person making the erroneous accusation.
Although the allegations were proved false, I cannot help but lament how staff time and resources were diverted away from important matters, such as job creation, the budget and protecting our neighborhoods from crime and blight. Instead, what the citizens of Phoenix received were unnecessary headlines.
Moving forward, my mindset is to work with the members of the City Council to make this All-America City a better place to live and work. I'm looking forward to listening and working with you over the summer months. Although the City Council will take a recess during July and August, my staff and I will not.
Which brings me to an idea I'd like to discuss with you and see what you think. The unfortunate incident I went through has compelled me to call for the creation of a committee on integrity and ethics. This committee would provide specific recommendations to address any weaknesses in existing policies, procedures and sanctions.
I’m making this proposal because I want to take a proactive step in maintaining and improving our constituents trust in public service. Our residents deserve to know that their civic leaders are serious about addressing and combating any and all questionable ethical practices.
In addition, a special focus of the committee would be to create a code of conduct for elected officials to foster mutual respect. Another focus of the committee would be on monitoring and curbing the influence and activities of special interest groups that have a vested, financial interest in the outcome of our decisions.
Undeniably, my colleagues at the city work immensely hard every day to maintain our credibility and competitive edge. As our city grows, we must pursue excellence in a highly competitive market, especially today as we face increasingly complex issues such as changes in technology and the pressure of special interest organizations, which routinely try to influence elected officials and decision-makers.
Looking head, I hope that unjustified and unproven attacks on the integrity of any public servant can be replaced with healthy debate, adherence to protocol, and face-to-face communication. I hope that my request to review the ethics policy is met with community and staff support.
On a personal note, with each new challenge, I am more determined than ever to uphold the sacred trust that comes with being a Phoenix City Councilmember. As a husband, father and elected official, I reflect daily and pray often, that my word and deeds will bring honor and respect to all that I am engaged in. And, I am fully aware of the impact and responsibility this holds for my fellow council members, city staff and those who I am elected to serve.
Now, let's get to work!
Councilman Michael Nowakowski represents District 7. He can be reached at 602-262-7492 or at council.district.7@phoenix.gov.
This column appeared in the July 1, 2009 edition of the Phoenix Republic and Northeast Phoenix Republic.