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Councilor raises concern about use of county-paid official photo in campaign materials
Summary
Council Member Warren questioned whether an official county photo—taken with county funds—was used in a campaign press release, prompting discussion among council members about appropriate use of publicly funded materials in campaigns.
During new business on Jan. 23, Council Member Warren raised concerns about campaign use of a county-paid official photo.
Warren said he reviewed a press release announcing Council Member Giovanni’s candidacy for county executive and identified the photograph used as the official county commissioner photo that had been paid for with county funds. Warren said past practice and ethics guidance generally prohibit use of public resources for campaign activities and asked the council to be "on the same page" as the campaign season begins.
Giovanni responded that the campaign had used a copied photo and acknowledged the point; other council members discussed that candidates had, at times, purchased proofs from the vendor and that individual candidates might own purchased copies of photos. Council members emphasized they did not intend to weaponize the issue and urged that it stop. No staff action or formal ethics referral was recorded on the transcript; the item remained a council-level admonition and informal reminder about using public resources.
Remarks occurred during new business and did not result in formal action or a vote.
