2008-01-09 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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CHAIR: Well, I think we need a motion specifically to this before we can begin discussions. I mean, we can discuss this before that motion is made, but the appropriate way would be to make a motion that we have a Board - initiated inquiry into a possible investigation regarding whether it's a violation of the Code of Ethics for Council members to use County funds to pay for newspaper advertisements under Rule 5.2 of Rules of Practices and Procedures of the Board of Ethics. MALANKA: I so move. CHAIR: Thank you. Thank you. We need a second. DILL: Second. CHAIR: All right, now we're open for discussion. Mr. Ashida? ASHIDA: Can I ask a question? Are you —are you resolving under Rule 5 to conduct an investigation into past actions of particular Council members, or are you doing as suggested —that this be a prospective advisory opinion for the County? CHAIR: Yes. The second portion— DILL: - -Yeah, I want to clarify if this is a situation specific or general. CHAIR: I know this is a very delicate topic, and I think it would be in the Board's best interest to initiate an inquiry into this matter, just to give an advisory opinion so that —so that everyone could properly understand what the rules are. So no, it's not a past investigation. Now we're open for discussion. And if there's no discussion- MALANKA: When is the next election? CHAIR: In September. MALANKA: In September. CHAIR: Yes. MALANKA: So March would be the cut -off date for the six months. CHAIR: You're talking about another item- MALANKA: -- That's the other issue. CHAIR: Yeah, that's the other issue. MALANKA: Okay, this is just in terms of County funds to pay for newspaper advertising, period.