Normal Town Council unanimously adopts ethics code

Image taken by Bella Marello

NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council unanimously approved a new code of ethics on Monday, marking what supporters called a step toward rebuilding public trust in government.

The code was first proposed in February by former McLean County Board member and community activist Barbara Stuart, who urged council members to consider the lasting impact of their decisions before the vote.

“Every vote you’ve ever cast as a member of the Normal Council becomes part of your record as a human being,” Stuart said. “Your votes affect our human existence, too.”

Stuart said adopting the code strengthens democratic institutions at all levels, from local government to the national stage.

Several community members also spoke in favor of the measure, including Normal First United Methodist Church Pastor Kent King-Nobles, who helped draft the code. He told council members that declining trust in public institutions makes the measure especially important.

“By passing this code today, you’re saying clearly that the citizens you represent expect you to be honest, to lead with integrity, to treat others with respect and to place the common good above self-interest,” King-Nobles said.

King-Nobles emphasized the code is not intended to be political, but rather a shared commitment among elected officials.

“Ethics codes do not create integrity, but they do make integrity visible, and they make it expected,” he said.

Council member Karyn Smith credited Stuart with organizing the Bloomington-Normal Code of Ethics Committee, which included local government officials, faith leaders and community members.

“We’re all on our honor to abide by it and respect our constituents, our community and our fellow elected officials as we carry out our duties,” Smith said.

Smith noted similar efforts at the county level took years, while the council moved more quickly to adopt the measure.

Council member Scott Preston said the code represents a small but meaningful step.

“It’s an interesting time to be involved in government at any level,” Preston said. “This won’t solve everything, but it’s one tangible thing we can do to build a little more trust and transparency.”

The Normal Town Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Its next meeting is scheduled for April 20 at 7 p.m. at Normal City Hall.