Peachtree

City is one of 24 cities that have been honored by the

Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) as a "Certified

City of Ethics."

The

designation comes after Peachtree City implemented its

ethics ordinance earlier this year to govern the conduct

of city officials. The ethics ordinance was reviewed by

attorneys to make sure it complied with the criteria GMA

set forth.

GMA has

encouraged its member cities throughout Georgia to pass

strict ethics regulations "to help improve their

public image and regain the trust of their

constituents," said GMA Executive Director Jim

Calvin.

Peachtree

City Mayor Bob Lenox said the city staff, particularly

City Clerk Nancy Faulkner and City Manager Jim Basinger,

worked hard on preparing the ordinance for council's

consideration. He also credited the work of Councilwoman

Carol Fritz.

Lenox added

that it is nice for the city to be recognized, but he

feels there have never been any ethics problems during or

before his tenure as mayor.

"Adopting

the ordinance was just a good way to get it in

writing," Lenox said.

The

ordinances were required to guide city officials' conduct

in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of

interest and outside employment, according to GMA. They

must also contain strong penalty provisions, including

public reprimands, fines and removal from office for city

officials who violate the ordinance.

"The

`City of Ethics' program recognizes cities and individual

leaders who make a tangible commitment to ethical

conduct," Calvin said.

There are

now a total of 37 cities with the "City of

Ethics" status, according to GMA.

GMA is a

nonprofit organization that serves 479 member cities with

legislative advocacy, research, training and other

consulting services.