"Given the way some fought for the status quo when I authored the new Ethics Code and created the city's first Ethics Commission, we are going to need your strong support to get an even tougher Ethics Code passed this year"

This quote by Laura Miller suggests that there was resistance to her efforts to create a brand-new Ethics Code and Ethics Commission in the city. She is now requesting assistance to pass an even harder Ethics Code, suggesting that the current Code is not strong enough. This suggests that there are people in the city who are not in favor of ethical requirements and guidelines, which they are actively combating against them. Miller is requesting support to make sure that the brand-new Code is passed, which would be a major advance in promoting ethical behavior in the city. It is clear that Miller is enthusiastic about developing a more ethical environment in the city, and she is requesting for assistance to make it happen.