HUDSON, OH (November 17, 2020) - Recently, the Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) concluded documentation submitted with a complaint from a group of Hudson citizens did not substantiate allegations that Hudson City Manager Jane Howington violated the ICMA Code of Ethics. The CPC determined that there was no evidence of any violations and voted not to open a formal ethics review of the matter.
According to ICMA, Ed Stein and Mike Juppe, among others, filed an ethics complaint with ICMA alleging 1) the City’s activities regarding the public-private Downtown Phase II project were inappropriate; and 2) the City Manager supported candidates running for seats on the governing body, limited public input and engagement with residents, and circumvented the State of Ohio’s open meeting requirements. As the basis for complaint, the complainants provided local media articles and emails to/from city staff.
ICMA stated, “The CPC specifically noted while the Phase II project seems to be a point of community division, it has apparently been a priority for the governing body as indicated by its approved expenditure of over $8 million in funds towards the project’s success as of October 2020.”
“I am pleased that ICMA found no basis for these allegations,” said City Manager Jane Howington. “I have worked diligently with Hudson City Council over the years to accomplish the goals they have established for me, and I will continue to work toward helping Council achieve its vision for the City of Hudson. I love this City, and I hope that we can move past the current divisiveness and work as a community toward ensuring Hudson’s place as a premier location in Northeast Ohio.”
About ICMA
Founded in 1914, ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. Our vision is to be the leading professional association dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world.
About the CPC
As a professional association, ICMA enforces its Code of Ethics through a formal review process administered by a peer review body, the ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC). The Rules of Procedure for Enforcement of the Code are designed to provide a reasonable process for investigating and determining whether a member has violated the Code, and to afford each individual member who is the subject of an investigation a full and fair opportunity to be heard throughout the process.