Members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors have indicated their intention not to maintain an code of ethics established by the prior board.

It’s ironic that these Loudoun Republicans will likely take criticism for not instituting an oath at the same time that statewide Republicans have been criticized for requiring a loyalty oath for GOP primary voters.  And imagine the uproar if the new board also dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The code of ethics for the Loudoun board includes an array of positive commitments – from avoiding even the appearance of a conflict of interest to being respectful toward staff and citizens to being adequately prepared for meetings. There is very little in here that would cause an uproar among the new board.

But before the pitchforks are unloaded and the torches lit, it should be noted that these elected officials have already made a pledge when they took their oath of office.

We tend to believe that the prior pledge’s rules regarding good government and removing conflicts of interest are implied by their oaths to faithfully serve Loudoun County.

And more importantly, an oath to proper conduct is less important than actually conducting yourself properly. We’ll miss this affirming pledge toward public ethics and openness – and oath or not, the public will take them to task when they swerve from the highest levels of integrity.

We may lament the board’s decision not to affirmatively guarantee their good conduct under the code of ethics, but then again, promises only mean something when they’re voluntary.