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development of other colleagues, particularly newly appointed commissioners, students, and interns. 3. Commissioners and Staff should actively promote heritage preservation and strive to in- crease the involvement of underrepresented groups. 4. Commissioners and Staff should support through their memberships and other contributions organizations that promote heritage preservation. 5.' Commissioners and Staff should work collaboratively with related professionals and profes- sional organizations whose actions also affect heritage conservation including, but not limited to, planners, code officials, architects, landscape architects, archaeologists, attorneys, realtors, and developers. 6. Commissioners and Staff should treat fairly and comment responsibly on the professional views of colleagues and members of other professions. 7. Commissioners and Staff should render all practicable assistance to other colleagues and organizations in an emergency when heritage resources are at risk. 8. Commissioners and Staff should acquire a depth of knowledge that will enable them to ex- plain to others the role of heritage preservation in a complex, modern world. 9. Commissioners and Staff should recognize that the field of heritage preservation is con- stantly evolving and actively pursue continuing educational opportunities in order to maintain, refine and enhance their capabilities as practitioners. Standards of Professional Conduct As public servants, commissioners and staff are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the law. These standards set forth both a baseline for such legal conduct as well as aspi- rational goals for ethical behavior that may require a conscientious effort to attain. 1. Commissioners and Staff should thoroughly understand the legal framework of heritage preservation and consistently operate within the bounds of their authority and responsibility un- der the law. 2. Commissioners and Staff should treat all citizens fairly, impartially and with respect, and refrain from discrimination or harassment of any kind. 3. Commissioners and Staff should not accept gifts or favors under any circumstances where it might appear that acceptance could influence their judgment. 4. Commissioners and Staff should disclose all personal or financial advantages that might ac- crue to them, their business interests or family members either directly or indirectly from a rec- ommendation or decision. 5. Preservation Commissioners and Staff who have an actual or apparent conflict of interest in a matter coming before them should recuse themselves entirely from deliberations and deci- sions. 6. Commissioners and Staff are obligated to utilize their knowledge and experience to make decisions and therefore should abstain from participating and voting only in cases of a bona fide. conflict of interest. 7. Commissioners and Staff should not disclose confidential information obtained in the course of their duties, except as required by the law, or use confidential information to further a personal interest. 8. Commissioners and Staff should not abuse their office by advancing an agenda that is not in