Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said he's taking action to make city government more accountable and transparent.

Beutler signed an executive order Monday that prohibits city department directors and mayoral aides from contracting with the city.

The charter revision commission brought the potential conflict of interest issue to the attention of the community and asked city council to put an amendment on the may ballot prohibiting elected officials and directors from contracting with the city.

Beutler continues to support an effort to put the original charter amendment on the November ballot.

"The public trust cannot tolerate a public servant that puts private needs first, even if it means saving money. And, at that point, the interests of good government demands that the director aides choose either the city contract or their job, but not both," Beutler said.

He said he believes such a ban is good government.