2007-12-12 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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The Chair commented that it has taken 16 months to get to this point. Since he was the initiator of the recommendation, he personally would like to see it go forward. The Board members discussed Mr. Ashida's December 6, 2007, letter on the use of County funds for mail -outs, as well as Board member John Dill's December 10, 2007, letter on the subject. The Chair said he liked the word "recommend," as suggested in Mr. Ashida's letter, as the Board would just be recommending that incumbents not use these mail -outs six months prior to an election. Ms. Nicholson said she agreed with Mr. Dill's letter, which stated he did not want the words "irrespective of content" in the opinion. Ms. Malanka agreed. Ms. Lum said she would be okay if they deleted "irrespective of content," as the recommendation would still be that incumbents not send the mail -outs. The Chair agreed to the removal of "irrespective of content." Mr. Ashida reminded the Board that there was no motion on the floor. Motion and vote: Ms. Lum moved for the Board to issue an informal advisory opinion .stating that the mail -outs may constitute a violation of the "Code of Ethics, and to use the wording in Mr. Ashida's letter except for the words "irrespective of content" from point No. 3. Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion. There was no further discussion, and all members present voted aye. The Chair directed the meeting to agenda item "b" under New Business. b. Election of Officers for -2008 (Chair and Vice Chair). The Chair explained that he'd asked the secretary to add this item to the agenda, as it needs to be done at the end of each year. - Motion and vote: Ms. Lum moved to nominate Mr. Joseph as Chair, and Ms. Nicholson seconded the nomination. All members present voted aye. Motion: Ms. Malanka moved to nominate Ms. Lum as Vice Chair. Ms. Nicholson seconded the nomination. Motion: Ms. Lum moved to nominate Mr. Dill as Vice Chair. The Chair said she could not do that without Mr. Dill's permission or approval. Discussion: Ms. Lum said she is comfortable being Vice Chair as long as Chair Joseph is present. She would not like to have to act as Chair if he were not there. The Chair said he had not missed a meeting in the past year. Vote: All members voted aye on Ms. Lum's nomination as Vice Chair. rd