Deni Elliott , Ethics Officer
	Jeff Cable , Ethics Educator

Welcome to Ask the Ethics Office . Each month, we will address your questions.

Metropolitan employees routinely put forward their best efforts. So, what's wrong with someone noticing that extra effort with a little gift?

Here are some examples that have come to the attention of the Ethics Office:

• A member of the public offered an employee a $20 tip for that employee's extra assistance.
• A potential vendor gave $100 gift cards to representatives who attended a sales pitch.
• A contractor wanted to take his agreement administrator out for lunch because the contract was running so smoothly.
• Managers pooled their funds to take employees out for a holiday dinner.
• A supervisor took her secretary out to lunch to celebrate her work anniversary.
• An employee in one section sent flowers to another employee to thank her for extra help on a special project.

The first three are examples of prohibited gift giving. The second three are permitted. Let's take a look at the differences.

In the first three examples, an external person is rewarding MWD employees. Accepting gifts from potential vendors, contractors or even members of the public gives the appearance that others can buy influence. No employee shall receive any compensation, reward or gift from any non-MWD source for any action related to the conduct of Metropolitan's business.

The last three are examples of gift giving within Metropolitan. Reasonable gift giving from supervisors or exchange of tokens of appreciation among employees is permitted. Unsure as to whether a gift is reasonable? Ask the Ethics Office .

You can contact the Ethics Office at (888) 228-7794 at The Network, an independent hotline that accepts anonymous calls to express concerns about Metropolitan directors, staff and contractors.