§ 4.10.100. Prohibition on use of public moneys to promote passage of ballot propositions.

A.

The use of public moneys, or facilities, equipment or supplies purchased with public moneys, and services of public employees in kind, to promote the passage of ballot propositions including public expenditures, appropriations or bond issues is prohibited.

B.

The term "promote" is defined as an attempt to influence, whether affirmatively or negatively, the vote of the people upon ballot propositions or bond issues. The term "promote" does not encompass the following and similar activities:

1.

the publication, circulation or mailing of informational items or legal notices pertaining to proposed bond issues or ballot propositions, so long as any such literature distributed to the public, or to news media, fairly and fully presents information needed by the public to make an informed vote upon any ballot propositions, or bond issue;

2.

the participation by borough general government or school district personnel in public discussions, or interviews with news media, relating to proposed ballot propositions or bond issues.

C.

Borough-owned schools, buildings and other facilities may be utilized for public meetings, discussions, and other assemblies by private groups supporting or opposing any ballot proposition or bond issue. General government and school district employees may arrange for public meetings and assemblies where the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed ballot proposition or bond issue are fairly presented by opponents and proponents of the item.

D.

No posters, fliers or other printed material advocating or opposing a ballot proposition or bond issue may be displayed in any borough owned or controlled building or facility except in a single area of general public access designated by the building supervisor. Both proponents and opponents of the ballot item shall be accorded equal access to the space.

E.

The constitutional rights of public employees to express their personal views on proposed bond issues and ballot propositions during public meetings or in interviews with news media shall not be abridged by this title. However, any employee expressing his or her personal views shall clearly state that the statements reflect personal or professional beliefs only and do not represent the position of the borough or the school district.

(Ord. No. 94-08, § 1(part), 1994; Ord. No. 84-28, § 1(part), 1984)