Danny Ross, the Dunwoody resident who drafted the city's first-ever ordinance in 2008, is publicly challenging whether the "City of Ethics" designation from the Georgia Municipal Association still means anything.
In a letter published Aug. 9 in Appen Media, Ross argued that the GMA designation represents a commitment the current council must actively demonstrate through transparency, consistency and accountability in everyday decisions.
"Being named a City of Ethics was an honor. Remaining one is a responsibility," Ross wrote.
Ross, a founding member of the Dunwoody City Council, noted that when the city incorporated in 2008, the council's very first act was adopting an ethics ordinance he had drafted. The Georgia Municipal Association then recognized Dunwoody as a Certified City of Ethics during its first year. The city remains on the GMA's official list of certified ethics entities as of Aug. 9.
What the designation requires
The GMA's Certified City of Ethics program, created in 1999, requires cities to adopt a resolution subscribing to five principles: serve others, not ourselves; use resources with efficiency and economy; treat all people fairly; use the power of position for constituents' well-being; and create an environment of honesty, openness and integrity. Cities must also maintain an ethics ordinance governing elected officials' conduct and recertify every four years through a legal review.
Ross's argument
Ross named no specific council members or votes.
Instead, he framed his challenge in broad governance terms, writing that ethical government requires listening before deciding, answering reasonable questions, explaining decisions, applying policies consistently and accepting responsibility.
He singled out consistency as "one of the most important tests of ethical government," arguing that residents should be able to predict how the city will handle situations based on past precedent, and that when outcomes differ, officials should explain why.
Ross also drew a line between staff and elected officials, arguing that professional advisers provide counsel but the responsibility for public policy rests with the representatives voters chose, including the willingness to explain and defend decisions made in the public's name.
A broader escalation
The letter marks a widening of Ross's public criticism of city governance. In late July, he launched a petition at DunwoodyStormwater.org and published letters calling for consistent stormwater management across all neighborhoods, as we reported July 29. The Aug. 9 letter moves beyond that specific dispute to challenge the council's overall ethical governance record.
No council response yet
No current council members or city staff had publicly responded to Ross's letter as of Aug. 9. The Dunwoody City Council is scheduled to meet Monday, Aug. 10. Councilman John Heneghan posted the agenda on X, listing items on townhomes, vape shops and special event funding. No ethics or governance review item appears on the agenda.
Residents can attend the Monday meeting or contact council members through the city's website.
