Which ethical principle pair is commonly emphasized in local government ethics policies?

• A. Strict secrecy and restricted access for all records.
• B. Secrecy and limited transparency.
• C. Maximizing project approvals.
• D. Avoidance of improper gifts and transparency.

Answer: (D)

Ethical integrity in local government rests on preventing undue influence and making actions visible to the public. Avoiding improper gifts shields decisions from favors or quid pro quo expectations, reducing the chance that gifts could sway officials. Transparency allows the public to see how decisions are made, the reasoning behind them, and the records behind those choices, which supports accountability and public trust. Together, these principles are emphasized because they curb hidden influence and ensure government actions are open to scrutiny.

Secrecy and restricted access run counter to this open, accountable standard, and even phrased as limited transparency they still hinder public oversight. Maximizing project approvals isn’t an ethical principle by itself—it could incentivize biased speed or favoritism rather than upholding integrity.