The merit system, equal opportunity, and affirmative action principles will be supported, implemented, and promoted. Safeguarding the public trust is paramount. Conflicts of interest, bribes, gifts, or favors which subordinate public positions to private gains are unacceptable. Service to the public creates demands for special sensitivity to the qualities of justice, courage, honesty, equity, competence and compassion. We esteem these qualities, and we will actively promote them.
Conscience performs a critical role in choosing among courses of action.
Public administrators are not engaged merely in preventing wrong, but in pursuing right through timely and energetic execution of their responsibilities.