Proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials draws First Amendment and privacy concerns; legal review requested

Councilmembers engaged in an extended discussion July 14 over a proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials (listed in the meeting materials as Resolution 20 25 12). The draft policy would govern elected officials’ use of city information systems and file directories and includes provisions addressing record retention, use of city trademarks, posting photographs, linking to city websites and statements about the city on social media.

Jordan, who worked with the city attorney on the drafts, said the policies were developed over the past year and are similar to templates used by other municipalities and recommended by federal and state guidance. Jordan said the policies are intended to protect the city, elected officials and the public, and to ensure FOIA compliance and protection of confidential information.

Multiple councilmembers expressed substantive objections. One councilmember argued the draft went beyond regulating official use of city property and into…