Title
Consider approving Ordinance No. 3933, repealing Ordinance No. 3811, and amending the City’s Code of Ordinances to remove Article III. “Code of Ethics”, Section 2-280(j). “Additional Standards” regarding the endorsement of political candidates; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilmember Roger Neal
BACKGROUND:
At the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting, staff received direction to amend the City’s Code of Ordinances, Article III, Section 2-280(j) “Additional Standards”, to remove language related to the endorsement of political candidates by a member of the Council. The current section reads:
“Section 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."
If the Council approves Ordinance No. 3933, Ordinance No. 3811 will be repealed, removing this section from the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3933 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3933 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3933