INFORMATIONAL REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report regarding the November 2018 Election, including Background Information on the Code of Ethics and Values, Previous Consultant Services and Candidate Forums
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Due to inquiries from the Council and the public, and in light of misinformation and false accusations in several media outlets, this report is being provided in an effort to set the record straight. The City is committed to conducting a fair, ethical and impartial election this November. Further, the City is committed to adhering to Council policy and the thousands of regulations, statues and best practices related to successfully conducting elections. The ability of public employees to participate in campaign related activities is restricted by the legal prohibition on the expenditure of public funds in support or opposition to political campaigns.
There are a number of items attached to this agenda report for consideration, including excerpts of Minutes, including:
1. Written statements, dated August 30, 2018 and September 4, 2018, issued by the Acting City Clerk, Jennifer Yamaguma
2. A written statement dated September 5, 2018, issued by City Manager, Deanna J. Santana, which includes the Council Policy 028, Televised Candidate Forum, as well as her emails on the topic
3. Excerpts of Council Meeting Minutes related to the vote ethics program, and consultant services from prior election years
The City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney fully support and understand the importance of having the City conduct an ethical, fair and impartial election this November; however, contrary to what has been reported, none of them made a decision to disallow candidate forums to be conducted. Such a decision was not even discussed at any time, by or between, the City Clerk, City Manager and/or City Attorney. Additionally, there was no discussion at any time with Mayor Lisa Gillmor by or between the City Clerk, City Man...
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