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Council debates staff‑led town halls in election years; favors scheduling safeguards
Summary
City Manager proposed city-sponsored, staff‑led town halls in election years to provide neutral information; council discussed restricting city-funded town halls to the first half of election years and asked staff to return with options and historical spending data.
City staff proposed a scheduling approach for city‑funded town halls on Nov. 20 that would have staff lead one city‑sponsored event in each council district during council election years and allow council members to lead city‑funded events in non‑election years.
The City Manager said the intention is to ensure neutral, informational events in election years when residents may be concerned that attendance signals support for a candidate. "In council election years, staff would do one of these staff-led town halls, one in each district," the City Manager said. Councilmember Silva introduced the idea; supporters said it would help make sure accurate information reaches residents.
Several council members favored a compromise: permit the city‑funded town halls but schedule them in the first half of election years to minimize the perception that they function as campaign events. One council member said town halls scheduled consistently each year reduce suspicion, while another suggested staff should compile past town hall dates and expenditures to identify possible misuse of city resources during past campaigns.
Council asked staff to return with options and, if necessary, a formal policy for consideration; staff agreed to research past events and costs and report back.
