Question ID:PT67 S2 Q8 Passage:Guideline: It is improper for public officials to influence the award of contracts or to perform other acts related to their office in a way that benefits themselves. Even the appearance of such impropriety should be avoided.Application: Greenville's mayor acted improperly in urging the award of the city's street maintenance contract to a company owned and operated by one of the mayor's relatives, whose business would have been in serious financial trouble had it not been awarded the contract. Stem:Which one of the following principles most helps in justifying the application of the guideline? Correct Answer Choice:EChoice A:Public officials, when fulfilling their duties, should be held to higher standards than private individuals. Choice B:Publicly funded contracts should be awarded based primarily on cost and the reliability of the contractor. Choice C:Creating the appearance of impropriety is as blameworthy as acting improperly. Choice D:Awarding a contract to a financially troubled business should be regarded as taking excessive risk. Choice E:Benefiting one's family or friends should be regarded as benefiting oneself.