Ethics Group - May 13

A City That Works - May 13, 2008
Ethics Discussion Group at the Lutheran Seminary

The Ethics Group had nine to 10 participants, with an equal number of women and men. Overall, the group was knowledable about the workings of government (at local, state and federal levels). Many had worked in government. All are active in their communities. 

-- Eddie Battle

What does this goal mean to you?

• Having a level playing field for everyone, for all citizens: there should be honesty, fairness, all citizens should have access to city services.

• High level of courtesy.

• I must believe in you. (Citizens must believe in government, its officials and workers.)

• Government must have transparency in its processes and decision making.  PhillyStat is a good tool to track issues and problems.  Small contracts with the city may hide graft.

• Accountability.

• One is not entitled to a city job but are in their jobs to serve the public.

• Citizens must know what the laws are and the laws should be applied evenly throughout the city.

• All city records must be open to the public.

• City Council’s use of power must be monitored. 311, PhillyStat and the Web are good monitoring tools.

Performance measures (What success would look like)

• Have more whistle-blowers.

• Services coming out equal dollars going in, if not, there’s a leak.  (In other words, the level and number of services that the city provides must equal the dollars going into the city, taxation.  If it doesn’t there’s a leak; something doesn’t add up, there’s a problem, look for corruption.)

• Number of complaints: People should feel free to call and make complaints.  Their complaints should be addressed in a timely fashion.

• Use PhillyStat.

• There must be incentives for city employees.  (Employees should be encouraged to report problems that they see and be rewarded).

Customer-service standards

• I expect not to have to bribe officials or city workers.

• Fast response time from the city, within two business days or less.

• Treat people like you want to be treated.

• Lower hold time on the telephone.

• Highly informed staff, staff that know their job.

• Soliciting feedback, from the public and other sources, on the performance of city departments.