Aurora committee debates rule to limit councilmembers testifying against official city positions

The Visor Committee spent a substantial portion of its meeting debating whether councilmembers should be permitted to testify before the Legislature in a way that could be construed as representing the city when the committee has adopted a contrary position.

Councilwoman Angela Lawson raised a series of scenarios about a councilmember testifying in a personal capacity but using their title while speaking at a hearing. Lawson said she had been puzzled by inconsistent practice and sought a clear rule so future testimony would not undercut an official city position.

City attorney and staff responses (summarized by city legislative staff) suggested the "safest way" when testifying in an individual capacity is to introduce oneself by name and stop; staff said using a title while testifying contrary to an adopted city position could jeopardize the city's unified messaging.

Committee members discussed possible council rule changes to direct members to use specific language when testifying on matters contrary to an adopted council position. One member said a rule barring elected members from testifying against the city's position when using an official capacity would be supportable. Staff said they would work with the chair and return proposed language to the FSIR committee for consideration and then to full council if the committee approves it.

No rule change was adopted at the meeting; staff said they will draft language and place the item on a future FSIR agenda for committee consideration.