Best Practices for County Employees

Best Practices

The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people. The ethical public official or employee accepts the responsibility that his or her mission is to be a servant and steward to the public. Therefore, decisions and policies must be made in the best interests of the people, the community and government. In recognition of these goals, county officials and employees should adhere to the following ethical principles.

What Are the Guidelines Regarding Political Activity?

While county public officials (elected and appointed) and employees are not prohibited from engaging in political activity during their free time, there are restrictions as to political activity while at work or while engaging in their official duties.

Examples of prohibited conduct include (M.C.G.O. § 9.06(1)):

• Wearing or displaying campaign material endorsing a candidate, party or position while you are at work (e.g., button or t-shirt)
• Distrbuting campaign literature while you are at work
• Soliciting contributions on behalf of a candidate for office while you are at work
• Circulating nomination papers on behalf of a candidate for office while you are at work
• Engaging in political campaign activities on behalf of a candidate for office while you are at work (e.g., making phone calls)

Furthermore, county employees may not coerce or attempt to coerce contributions or services from subordinate employees in support of a political party or candidate or with regard to a referendum position (M.C.G.O. § 9.06(2)). County employees may not retaliate against or reward any employee for refraining from participating in political activity.

In addition, county elected officials may not solicit a campaign contribution from any “at will employee,” meaning any employee who is not under a union or labor contract with the county, who is hired for an indefinite term or who is under an independent contract with the county or its subparts or who can be discharged or terminated at any time for any nondiscriminatory reason (M.C.G.O. § 9.05(2)(j)).

No elected official or candidate for a county elected office shall promise an appointment to any county position as a reward for political activity (M.C.G.O. § 9.06(3)).

For more information about political campaigns and election laws, visit the Milwaukee County Election Commission.