As suspected, this is ONE of the changes;
- Reimbursed or paid expenses from a third party to the
city may be accepted if ALL of the following
requirements are met: - 1. The event is related to the official duties of the
officer or city’s legislative or policy making role
(Consistent with City Council Travel Policy) - 2. The event organizer is not a person, entity, or
business who seeks or does business with the city
or conducts activities regulated by the city or is a
political party (nonprofits and other governmental units
are NOT prohibited sources) - 3. All expenses are paid for or reimbursed by the
event organizer (not a sponsor of the event) - 4. The event is a widely attended gathering and the
agenda and any paid or reimbursed expenses are a
matter of public record
I Still think it is dangerous territory to allow partisan groups to fund trips.
I was alerted to this recently but my foot soldier couldn’t tell me what the proposed changes were;
Ethics Ordinance Update by Greg Neitzert, Council Member
Like I said, I have no idea what he is proposing, but with his impeachment over a paid for partisan trip to Texas with Mayor TenHaken and his then Deputy COS, TJ Nelson, one has to wonder if they are re-writing the ordinance to make the sins of the past go away, which would allow partisan political groups to pay for trips of local elected officials.
If this is the proposal, I think it is dangerous territory. While I maintain that not only was Councilor Neitzert guilty of ethics violations, so was the mayor and Nelson. Partisan groups, left, right or center, should not be able to buy influence.
And while the recreation trail ordinances have languished for 5 years, this apparently is top priority . . . saving their own asses!
