The Political Ethics of Public Service (PDF)

Vera Vogelsang-Coombs is Associate Professor and Voinovich Fellow in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University (CSU). Previously, she was CSU's College of Graduate Studies Dean, the Minnesota State Training Manager, and Hamline University's MAPA Program director. Her publications focus on city council and mayoral leadership, public service ethics, constitutional governance, and public leadership development.

“The Political Ethics of Public Service blends constitutional principles and public service in a new and compelling manner by applying the traditional understanding of rights and values to current issues of public service ethics. Vogelsang-Coombs is insightful and creative in her approach to ethics for public administrators, elected officials, and students.”
—Larry Bakken, Distinguished Professor, Mitchell/Hamline School of Law, former mayor and president of the Minnesota League of Cities, and National League of Cities board member.

 

“The Political Ethics of Public Service takes us to the next level in internalizing and operationalizing constitutional rights and values. A major achievement, for sure!”

—David H. Rosenbloom, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, American University (Washington, D.C.)

 

“A fresh, practical alternative to the usual "ethics moment" approach. Vogelsang-Coombs recognizes the impossibility of purging public administration of its political dimensions. She provides incisive analysis and empathetic guidance to career public servants facing moral dilemmas. The Political Ethics of Public Service is the book administrative ethics courses have long needed.”

—Camilla Stivers, author of Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service

 “The Political Ethics of Public Service brings constitutional history and law to life. The book clearly and vividly illustrates the Constitution's ongoing relevance to career public administrators. Professionals and students alike will benefit from the numerous insights into constitutional history and law.”

—Joseph Mead, Assistant Professor, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University­­