A. The Pierce County Council recognizes the need for integrity in government and recognizes that the people of Pierce County consider governmental service to be a public trust. Accordingly, it is the purpose of this Chapter to establish ethical standards of conduct for all officials and employees of the County, and for all people dealing with Pierce County government. This Chapter is not to be construed so as to impair the ability of County officials and employees to participate in ceremonial, representational, or informational functions in the pursuit of their official duties.

B. This Chapter shall be liberally construed in favor of protecting the public's interest in full disclosure of conflicts of interest and promoting ethical standards of conduct for County officials, employees, and persons dealing with Pierce County government.

C. It is the policy of Pierce County to encourage the full participation and expression of interest of all of the people of Pierce County in the legislative process. The provisions of this Chapter shall be liberally construed to promote full disclosure of lobbying in order to protect the openness and integrity of the legislative process.