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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0959.014 2016-2018 P/Council bill (40 From: Rob Tucker To: Council Testimony Subject: Opposition to Bill 160 . Date: Wednesday,September 05,2018 4:54:19 PM I am disappointed with the current amended language to Bill 160 and must now oppose it. b C) The revised language: on © Officers and employees shall provide accurate and factual information to the public, —�-� including indentification of any referenced authority, to the best of each officer's or employee's abilities and knowledge. o I would suggest that this language is unconstitutional and violates the 14th Amendment — >rn section regarding equal treatment under the law. I would point out to council that the Ethics Code is only one of several codes adopted and enforced by the county. All of which need to apply equally to all citizens. To allow county officers and employees to adhere to the ethics code "to the best of each officer's or employee's abilities and knowledge" provides unequal treatment. Taxpayers are not required to pay their taxes "to the best of their ability". We are required to pay our taxes, period. Home builders are not required to adhere to the building code "to the best of their ability". We are required to meet the code, period. County officials and employees should be factual and accurate, period. You council members will not find any other county code which allows performance "to the best of their ability". To pass this language would attempt to institutionalize a double standard. One standard for citizens and taxpayers. Another standard for county officials and employees. I would challenge this in court. Or, you could consider adding a preface to all current county codes to allow taxpayers and citizens to adhere to them "to the best of their ability". Accurate and factual information is simply accurate and factual information and people's intentions, abilities and personal level of knowledge should not come into it. County officers and employees are salaried and pensioned to be knowledgeable. THEY ARE PAID. IT IS THEIR JOB. If being accurate and factual is not within their ability then this needs to be found out and they should be removed from county employment. I can not support Bill 160 with this language. Mahalo, Rob Tucker Pahoa Village 808-987-5987