Subject: Please Review: Messages re Charter Transition and Political Activities
From: "Gilmore, Rachel" <[email-masked]>
Cc: "Baraso, Sam" <[email-masked]>, "Lister, Cady" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:34:15 -0700

Hello PCEF Committee!

I hope you&#8217;re having a good week. I am passing along couple of messages to you. Thank you for reviewing!

First, attached please find a letter from the City&#8217;s Chief Administrative Officer Michael Jordan to members of City advisory bodies. The letter shares about the draft recommendation to City Council for the new organization reporting structure under the management of a City Administrator.

Second, below is a message from the City Attorney&#8217;s Office regarding restrictions on political activities. While primarily addressed to City employees, it applies to board/commissions members as well. The main point is that any political activities you might engage in must be done while acting in a personal capacity, NOT in your capacity as a PCEF Committee member.

TO ALL CITY EMPLOYEES

**DO NOT REPLY TO ALL**
Managers and Supervisors: Please post a copy of this message and memo for employees without access to email. Please also post the Secretary of State&#8217;s mandatory posting<https://www.portland.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/mandatory-ethics-posting-rev-2016.pdf> in places likely to be seen by employees.

All employees are expected to read the City Attorney Statement on Employee Political Activity<https://www.portland.gov/attorney/documents/2023-city-attorney-statement-employee-political-activities/download> found on the City Attorney&#8217;s Ethics Information Resources webpage: https://www.portland.gov/attorney/ethics-information-resources.  The Memo serves as an updated reminder about the laws and rules affecting political activities by City employees.  All City employees, including persons serving on City boards and commissions, are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable laws and rules.

To summarize, non-elected City employees and board/commission members:

    May not:

   *   Promote or oppose any candidate, ballot measure, political committee, or election petition while on the job or acting in an official capacity.
   *   Use City resources to promote or oppose any candidate, ballot measure, political committee, or election petition.
   *   Require or attempt to require or coerce another City employee or a volunteer to promote or oppose any candidate, ballot measure, political committee, or election petition while on the job or acting in an official capacity.
   *   Use their official authority or influence while engaged in a political activity.

     May:

   *   Express personal political views (such as in a personal conversation), with certain limitations.
   *   Engage in political activities outside of work, while acting in a personal capacity.

Violation of these rules may result in penalties, personal liability, and employee discipline.

Resources: The documents below can be found on the Ethics Information Resources webpage<https://www.portland.gov/attorney/ethics-information-resources> and provide information about the City, State and Federal laws that govern political activities by City employees.

1. City:            City of Portland Human Resources Administrative Rule 4.06 - Political Activity
            For Auditor&#8217;s Office Employees - Portland City Auditor Human Resources Administrative Rule 4.06

2. State:           ORS 260.432 Quick Reference - Restrictions on Political Campaigning for Public Employees

            Oregon Secretary of State's Manual on Restrictions on Political Campaigning by Public Employees ORS 260.432

            Mandatory Posting

3. Federal:       U.S. Office of Special Counsel's Hatch Act

Questions: For questions about these rules and how they might apply to a specific situation, please contact the City Attorney&#8217;s Office. You may contact City Elections Officer Louise Hansen at 503-865-6503 or [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]> for additional written guidance and training regarding the elections laws. For questions regarding activities allowed or prohibited while on the job please contact Ron Zito in BHR at [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>.

To report a suspected violation, please contact the Office of the Ombudsman at 503-823-0144 or [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>.

To make an anonymous report, the City&#8217;s Fraud Hotline may be accessed by calling 1-866-342-4148 or by reporting online via Fraud Hotline website<https://www.portland.gov/audit-services/fraud-hotline>.

If you are unable to access these links or documents, please contact Crystine Jividen, City Attorney's Office at 503-823-4047 or [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rachel Gilmore (she/her)
Administrative Specialist, Portland Clean Energy Fund
[email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>
971-421-3612

City of Portland | Bureau of Planning &amp; Sustainability
1810 SW 5th Ave., Suite 710 Portland, OR 97201
portland.gov/bps<http://portland.gov/bps>

The City of Portland is committed to providing meaningful access. For accommodations, modifications, translation, interpretation or other services<https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/71701>, please contact 503-823-7700 or use City TTY 503-823-6868.