Title
Discuss Ordinance No. 3811 related to the City Council Code of Ethics, Section 2-280, regarding the endorsement of political candidates.
Body
REQUESTER:
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal
BACKGROUND:
Ordinance No. 3811 was passed on August 1, 2023, amending Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article III “Code of Ethics”, Section 2-280 to read:
“Sec. 2-280. - Additional Standards
….
(j) Recognizing that the endorsement of a candidate for election to city council tends to diminish the public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the city council and necessarily involves the use of the prestige of such member's office to advance the private interests of others, the mayor and members of the city council should refrain from endorsing a candidate for election to the city council, including any written or oral statements and/or communications to that effect, or encourage others on behalf of such person to do so. A violation of this subsection shall not be a violation of this code of ethics, subject to a complaint against a member of the city council.”
DISCUSSION:
Council will discuss whether any amendments to this ordinance are needed.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3811