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Suamico trustees favor a short code-of-conduct pledge and ask staff to draft language
Summary
Trustees discussed full codes of conduct from other municipalities and directed staff to draft a one‑page pledge for trustees to review, aiming to set expectations for civility without creating heavy enforcement mechanisms.
Trustees reviewed sample codes of conduct from Eau Claire, Green Bay and Shorewood at the Oct. 7 meeting and generally favored a brief pledge emphasizing civility and clarity when officials speak as individuals rather than the village.
Trustee Eckert and others expressed concern about who would be the arbiter and the risks of limiting free expression; several trustees said they preferred a short pledge or statement of expectations rather than a formal policy with penalties. Administrator Caker confirmed staff would draft a concise, one‑page pledge and return it to trustees for feedback; two trustees volunteered to work with staff on the draft before it is brought forward as a first reading.
Trustees did not adopt a final policy at the meeting. The board directed staff to prepare a short draft that blends the most relevant elements of the model policies and return it to the board for consideration.
