New Charter Review Committee Member Introduced; City Attorney Clarifies Political Speech Rules for Appointees

The Littleton Charter Review Committee introduced a new member, Keely Quinn, and heard legal guidance about what committee members and city employees may say about ballot issues before the November election. Keely Quinn, appointed to replace Phil Cooper, said she has lived in the Littleton area most of her life and is founder of the Bridal Littleton and the downtown Littleton Farmers Market. City Attorney Reid told the committee that appointees remain free to express personal opinions about candidates or ballot questions but must not suggest they speak for the committee or the city when doing so. “You’re free to give your opinion as, you know, your own person,” City Attorney Reid said, adding that city employees may not campaign on city time or use city resources for political activity. Reid explained the legal limit: using city equipment or staff time for campaign activity is prohibited and could violate campaign practice rules. Committee members asked for clearer written guidance; staff said a boards-and-commissions acknowledgement had been distributed and requested signed forms be turned in to Colleen. The committee also discussed maintaining a “parking lot” document for outstanding questions and asked staff to highlight additions made after each meeting so members can focus on new material. The committee did not take a formal vote on any policy changes; staff were directed to circulate clearer written guidance and to include parking-lot updates with dated highlights in future distributions.