2008-02-13 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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all get that, you know, and that has happened as far as public pictures, family, and so forth. That never bothered me much, you know, but I think the key point to remember here is that this is something that derived from an expert that was asked how can we get more people to notice the ad. Now if I told her, Kelly, put my picture there, Kelly— that's something else —take the file photo from the campaign last election and put it on. I didn't even know they had that picture. If it was that, Mr. Joseph and commissioners, yeah, absolutely. That shows intent, malice, and even conspiracy to try to utilize public funds. But that wasn't what happened. So —it wasn't done yet, but it wasn't banned. But maybe no one ever asked the advertising people what would be effective. And you know, for Pete's sake, that's her job. She runs the biggest newspaper on the island. That's what she —she's an expert in that, and that's what she came up with, without So, you know— CHAIR: - -And I think when Mr. Ashida's first opinion -- opinioned on this in April, he said, if I recollect correctly, what's allowed in business might not always be allowed in government. And I agree with that. You have different parameters in business and in doing things, but in government, you're held to a certain ethical standard. And for me, for me —I know for a fact when I see someone's picture regularly in the newspaper, you know, that image will stay there. And that does give an advantage to the incumbent. LUM: But when you vote, you don't vote on the picture, you vote on the name. CHAIR: Well. MALANKA: And should at some point. LUM: Yeah. I know —no, I'm sure some people vote on —not Wayne —not vote on the name, -- CHAIR: - -If photographs in ads were done over the last five years, I wouldn't even be discussing this. I'd have no problems with this. It's only because it's come up, and it's only because a couple Council people asked- LUM: --for information— CHAIR: - -what are we going to do about this? Where do they stand, because they'd like to do it as well. And so know that today, your opinion today will be based upon whether we see this regularly in the newspaper, and if taxpayers will be footing the bill for that. And if it's okay with you guys— DILL: - -Well, you say the word regularly. 1'd just like to reiterate again that there's a state law on the books that does regulate this activity, and we're here to serve the public interest in what's best for the public. And if we're starting to put limitations on how our elected officials communicate with the public, who we're here to serve and they're here to serve, then I really think we're sticking our nose into —and tying the hands of them doing the best job that they can do. LUM: Are we ready to vote? 41