The City Council Conduct Pledge is a statement of basic expectations for how City Council should conduct public business. It focuses on professionalism, respectful conduct, responsible use of procedures, transparency, and accountability. It does not address specific policies or political positions.

No. The pledge is explicitly nonpartisan. It does not endorse a party, platform, or ideology. It reflects shared civic norms that apply regardless of political affiliation.

No. Signing the pledge does not endorse any candidate or slate. It signals agreement with baseline standards of conduct and governance that residents should reasonably expect from elected officials.

Yes—Lynchburg already has strong rules of procedure. The challenge isn’t the absence of rules, but the inconsistent and sometimes counterproductive way they are used, which is why this pledge focuses on conduct, judgment, and responsibility in applying them.

When basic governance norms erode—such as meeting discipline, respectful conduct, and responsible use of procedure—public trust suffers and city business slows or stalls. This pledge is intended to reaffirm foundational expectations, not to relitigate past events.

No. The pledge does not name individuals or reference specific incidents. It focuses on behaviors and standards, not personalities. Its purpose is forward-looking: clarifying what residents expect going forward.

No. Disagreement is a normal and healthy part of democratic governance. The pledge distinguishes between substantive debate and conduct that obstructs, delays, or undermines the ability of Council to do its work.

Yes. Procedures are essential to fairness, transparency, and accountability. The pledge affirms the importance of rules while emphasizing that they should be used to facilitate governance—not to delay decisions, relitigate settled matters, or advance personal agendas.

No. The pledge is not legally binding and does not alter formal powers or rules. It is a voluntary commitment to exercise authority responsibly and consistently.

Professional staff are essential to effective city operations. A stable, respectful working environment helps ensure continuity, expertise, and good decision-making. Undermining staff ultimately harms the public.

Any Lynchburg resident or community stakeholder who supports these civic standards may sign. Affiliation is optional.

Signatures demonstrate public support for professional governance. For candidates or officeholders who sign, the pledge provides a clear standard against which their conduct can be evaluated by the public.

No. Policy debates matter. This pledge addresses how decisions are made, not what decisions should be made. Sound process is a prerequisite for sound policy.