Santa Fe ethics board dismisses complaint over councilor’s Facebook page but flags need for clearer rules

The Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board dismissed a complaint on Nov. 7 alleging that Councilor Alma Castro’s Facebook page improperly used city-branded imagery and presented official status while endorsing a candidate. The board said the complaint raised legitimate concerns about public perception but did not meet the municipal-code threshold for further enforcement.

The complaint was filed by resident Suzanne Romero, who told the board the page “had the shield” and “showed to me that that was a government official page,” and that an endorsement appearing there was therefore unfair to other candidates. Romero said the shield and the councilor’s title on the page created the appearance of an official city account.

Councilor Alma Castro, sworn in before the board, said the page was originally her campaign page, that she removed official photos and logos after noticing confusion, and that “the endorsement was not by myself. It was by a national organization.” Castro added she had repeatedly requested city communications support and would welcome a formal policy.

Board members focused on whether the municipal code contains a specific prohibition that would make Romero’s allegations legally sufficient under §6-16.4. One member said the difference between the city seal (used on formal documents) and the shield (used in communications) was important; another said the shield’s use could create the appearance of official business. Several board members concluded the complaint did not show a clear statutory violation as written, particularly on the elements that would tie the use of a logo to misuse of city resources or equipment.

A motion to dismiss the complaint for insufficiency passed with a majority of members voting in favor and one member opposed. Chair Bitterman said the decision was limited to the threshold question and that the issue remains “a fertile topic” for further clarification. The chair asked staff to research and propose clearer guidance on how councilors and staff should use city seals, shields and logos on personal or campaign-related social media.

The board recorded the dismissal as a threshold determination only; it did not adjudicate whether any ethics rule was violated on the merits. Several members urged the clerk and communications staff to draft a short, practical policy to reduce future confusion.