To guard against improper influence or even the appearance of improper influence, and to ensure public trust in the government, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore enacts <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite> to: set minimum ethical standards of conduct for City officials and employees; require certain officials and employees to disclose their financial interests; require persons engaged in lobbying activities to register and disclose those activities; and generally protect the public welfare. Ord. 04-795 Employee §2-9 Financial interest §2-16 Interest §2-19 Official §2-21 Person §2-22