§ 2-322. Political activity.

Limitations on the political activities of city officials and employees are imposed by state law, the City Charter, and city personnel rules and are incorporated into this provision by reference. In addition, the following ethical restrictions apply:

(1)

Automatic resignation. Any elected official or member of the historic district landmark board, planning and zoning commission, ethics commission, City Charter review commission, civil service commission, board of adjustment or any other decision-making board, shall forfeit that appointment with the city immediately upon the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment.

(2)

Influencing subordinates. A city official or employee shall not directly or indirectly induce, or attempt to induce, any city subordinate:

a.

To participate in an election campaign (beyond merely encouraging another to vote), to participate in a political fundraising activity, or to contribute to a political candidate or political committee;

b.

To engage in any other activity relating to a particular candidate, party or issue that is not directly related to a legitimate function of city government;

c.

To refrain from engaging in any lawful political activity after working hours.

(3)

Paid campaigning. A city official or employee shall not accept anything of value, directly or indirectly, for political activity relating to an item pending on the ballot, if he or she participated in, or provided advice relating to, the exercise of discretionary authority by a city body that contributed to the development of the ballot item. Anything of value does not include a meal or other item of nominal value the city official, board member, or employee receives in return for providing information on an item pending on the ballot.

(4)

Official vehicles. A city official or employee shall not display or fail to remove campaign materials on any city vehicle under his or her control.

(Ord. No. 2012-O-126, § 2(2.07), 9-4-12)