What does Section 1.126 of the City's Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code prohibit?

Section 1.126 of the City's Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code specifically addresses the issue of campaign contributions made by contractors to elected officials during the critical period of contract negotiations. This regulation is designed to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or undue influence that could arise if a contractor were to make financial contributions while seeking a contract with the City. By prohibiting such contributions during this time, the code aims to ensure that the decision-making process remains transparent and free from external pressure, thereby promoting integrity in government contracts.

The prohibition is particularly significant as it helps to maintain a fair bidding process where all contractors are evaluated based on their qualifications and the merits of their proposals, rather than on their financial ties to elected officials. This requirement aligns with broader ethics guidelines intended to support public trust in governmental operations and to mitigate the risk of corruption.

Understanding the importance of this regulation is crucial for contractors engaging with the City, as it outlines the expectations for ethical conduct in the realm of governmental contracts.