WHITING | The city officially adopted a new code of ethics that mandates accountability and responsibility from all employees.

Whiting joined original Shared Ethics Advisory Commission members Crown Point, Highland, Munster and Schererville in signing the Interlocal Ethics Cooperation Agreement, which provides for the sharing of resources between communities.

Established in 2005, the advisory commission provides training in ethical behavior for government officials and employees and encourages cooperation, rather than competition, among its members.

"This is the right thing to do," Mayor Joe Stahura said. "We owe it to our citizens to provide fair and efficient public service."

The agreement defines professional conduct, and signatories pledge to eschew conflicts of interest and expose corrupt practices and behaviors.

The interlocal code of ethics replaces ethics guidelines approved by the City Council in 2004.