Integrity in Public Service

“Congrats on the Presidency! And your reward? A letter to the editor in the Salem News this morning about you!” That was the text message from a friend that interrupted my morning workout at the YMCA, the day before my first meeting as Council President. Now criticism is part and parcel of public service, and I've always prided myself on taking it in stride – a skill honed in my twenties as a lowly 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. There, being open to criticism and fostering a growth mindset is not an option! This time, though, it hit close to home. The writer questioned my integrity, something I hold dear. Titled 'Hapworth should take a long look in the mirror,' it asked the reader “What does integrity mean to you” before challenging my commitment to values by citing a vote I took a year ago on the election of the previous council president.

Throughout a career that has spanned from the Army to Microsoft and the Salem City Council, I've had a front-row seat to work with leaders whose personal integrity left a lasting impression. I model myself on those leaders every day. So, I'll answer that question here—what does integrity mean to me, and how have I applied it on the Salem City Council?

The first trait I see in leaders who have integrity is Consistency. Consistency for a city councillor is acting in alignment with values, and maintaining trust with neighbors. 

 At my day job, I’m fortunate to work for a leader who applies this daily within our team. My boss, Isaac is consistent with his communication and expectations, he doesn’t become unpredictable when we enter intense negotiations with our customers, he applies steady compassionate leadership and sticks to his principles from start to finish, I learn from his example every time the pressure mounts.

Three years ago on the Council, we passed an affordable housing measure allowing small in-law apartments after two attempts and extensive debate. Despite my belief in minimal restrictions, we created and then highlighted several restrictions to concerned residents, including the owner occupancy requirement. Last year, a proposal to remove the owner occupancy requirement emerged. While I personally supported the change, prioritizing trust with our neighbors led me to oppose it.  I knew that a quick, substantive change would erode community trust, to me that trust far supersedes my own beliefs or ideological leanings.

The next trait that I see is respect. Respect is a fundamental pillar that underpins meaningful and constructive engagement with constituents and colleagues alike. It means treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their beliefs or opinions because that is what contributes to a vibrant democratic discourse. 

When I started on the Council in 2020, I was fortunate to serve alongside (and sit next to) longtime at-large Councillor, Arthur Sargent. Though Arthur and I disagreed on many key votes, I watched him treat every one of his colleagues with the respect and dignity afforded by their election. He set an example for me in how a Councillor ought to conduct themselves with colleagues and I still think of him as I work alongside my colleagues, especially when we disagree. 

In 2021, we grappled with a crucial issue—seeking a $16 million bond for essential park upgrades during a favorable interest rate period. Falling short with only 7 votes instead of the required 8. After days of intense conversations, one colleague (with whom I had frequently disagreed, but always maintained a warm respectful rapport), changed his vote. To this day, I believe that his courageous act, coupled with our strong, respectful connection, is what tipped the scales and secured that crucial vote!

The next aspect that I observe is civic responsibility, which extends beyond the formal duties of the council. Civic Responsibility is a commitment to serving this city with honor, remembering that as members of the Council, we have a moral obligation to prioritize the common good over personal interests or political opinions. 

My At-Large colleague, Alice Merkl, exemplifies civic responsibility on a daily basis. She volunteers for non-profits throughout the city and responds to every constituent who reaches out to her seeking assistance, regardless of whether they voted for her. Alice is truly an exemplary servant of this city, and I’ve been honored to serve next to her.

Civic Responsibility brings us back to the 2021 election of council president, referenced by the writer of the letter. My colleague (whom the writer believed deserved the Presidency) was only able to secure support from 2 of his 10 colleagues and was unsuccessful. Though the writer never asked, I was one of those 2. My colleague and I often disagreed, but the people of Salem had elected him and he had served honorably. I told him he could count me as a ‘yes’ as he worked to secure the votes for his bid for the Presidency.  Ultimately my colleague failed to gain the 5 votes that he needed for election, and the vote for his challenger (who ended up being an incredible Council President) was unanimous, as is customary. The writer might have learned this fact with a quick phone call.  

Which brings me to one final element of integrity, giving others the benefit of the doubt, otherwise known as trust.  Trust requires us to  embrace uncertainty and assume good intentions, crucial in local politics. While it doesn’t imply blind faith in officials, it underscores our shared community. Trust means remembering that we’re all neighbors, walking the same city streets, sitting in the same traffic, loving this same 8 square mile city, and doing our best to contribute to our community any way we can.  It also means recognizing that assuming the best in others far outweighs the alternative.

Trust was what I received from my first battery commander, Captain Carter. As a clueless second lieutenant, he trusted my leadership and never questioned my intentions, even if I failed. He knew that every Soldier who chose to serve deserved his unending respect, and he gave it openly.  Captain Carter showed me what it meant to be a leader, and I will never forget the example he set.

Trust is also what I give to the writer of the letter that questioned my honor and integrity. Despite our disagreements on this and many other issues, I've witnessed his diligent efforts to stay informed, advocate for his neighborhood, hold elected representatives accountable, and even run for office himself. We need individuals like him in Salem to keep our neighborhoods strong and informed, and it’s an honor for me to serve constituents like him.

 As I reflect on the challenges and critiques that come with public service, I am always reminded that consistency, respect, civic engagement and trust are the cornerstones of effective leadership. Criticism of elected officials like me is not only inevitable, it’s also frankly healthy for our democracy (something I need to remind myself of everytime I glance at local social media). As I continue in my role as President of the Salem City Council, I commit myself to these values, recognizing that they are not just ideals but essential guiding principles. 

That’s what integrity means to me.