CC Resolution No. 99-208RESOLUTION NO. 99-208
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTiNO
REGARDING THE CUPERTINO CODE OF CAMPAIGN ETHICS AND THE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF POLITICAL CONSULTANTS
CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE 1999 CITY COUNCIL ELECTION
WHEREAS, a group of Cupertino citizens have organized the Cupertino Campaign
Ethics Committee ("the Committee"); and
WHEREAS, the Committee, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters,
("the League") has developed a Cupertino Campaign Ethics Code and have also endorsed
the American Association of Political Consultants Code of Ethics, (copies of which are
attached to this resolution); and
WHEREAS, the Committee and the League have developed a process for the
implementation of these codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9882 for the election of 1997
directing the City Clerk to distribute campaign ethics code forms, and wishes to encourage
candidates, committees, and political consultants to adhere to these codes for the 1999
election;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the City Clerk is again directed to distribute, with other campaign
materials, to candidates and committees, a copy of this resolution together with the
attachments herein.
2. That all filings related to the codes of ethics will be made to this non-
partisan organization: The League of Women Voters
P. O. Box 2923
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
3. That the City Clerk shall direct all questions, complaints, or requests
regarding these ethics codes to the chairperson of the Committee.
4. That this resolution is applicable only to the 1999 City Council election, but
may be amended at the direction of the City Council to apply to other elections beyond
1999.
- Resolution No. 99-208
Page 2
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino this 6th day of June 1999, by the following vote:
Vote
Members of the City Council
AYES: Bumett, Chang, Dean, James, Statton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
M~yJr,~City ~ Cupertino
CUPERTINO CODE OF CAMPAIGN ETHICS
Every candidate for public office in the City of Cupertino has a moral obligation to
exemplify principles of honesty, respect, and fairness so that citizens may exercise their
constitutional right to free political choice. Negative campaign practices fuel cynicism
toward the democratic process and undermine the contributions of public servants who
preserve and promote the common good.
THEREFORE;
1 ) I SHALL CONDUCT my campaign openly, discuss issues as I understand them,
present my record and policies with sincerity, and criticize the record and policies
of opponents which merit criticism.
2)
I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT THE USE of character defmnation, whispering
campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate of his/her family.
3)
I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT an appeal to negative prejudice based on race,
sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, physical health, or age.
4)
I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any practice that corrupts our system of free
elections or hampers the full expression of the voters' will, including acts
intended to hinder an eligible person from registering to vote, enrolling to vote, or
voting.
5)
I SHALL NOT COERCE campaign support or contributions for myself or any
candidate from my employees.
6)
I SHALL IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY REPUDIATE support from any
individual or group that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to my
opponent's candidacy, to any unethical method or tactic mentioned in this code. I
shall take immediate and firm action against any subordinate who violates this
code, campaign law, or campaign regulations.
7)
I SHALL DEFEND AND UPHOLD the right of every qualified voter to full and
equal participation in the electoral process.
8)
I OWE nothing, other than what is due all citizens, to any individual or group that
contributes to my campaign.
9)
I SHALL SPEAK to my positions on issues often and refrain from making
promises.
10) I SHALL NOT MISREPRESENT facts nor deceive any citizen.
ll)
I ACCEPT full responsibility for the proper content, completion, and submission
- of all campaign documentation and literature.
12) I SHALL NOT LEVEL charges against my opponent at a point when he/she does
not have adequate time to respond before the election.
13) I SHALL ACT in good faith.
I, the undersigned candidate for election to public office in Cupertino voluntarily endorse
and subscribe to the spirit and the letter of the above principles and practices. I solemnly
pledge that my campaign will honor the code.
SIGNATURE DATE
The signatory is encouraged to keep his/her own copy of the above for their records
though a non-partisan group will keep this document for 90 days after the election.
NOTE: All filings related to this code of ethics shall be made by certified mail to the
League of Women Voters, P. O Box 2923, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 by no later than one
week prior to the election. Telephone inquiries may be directed to Suzanne Ford, Voter
Service Chairperson of the League of Women Voters, (408) 257-3787
- American Association of Political Consultants
Code of Ethics Statement
I shall or will:
· not indulge in any activities which would corrupt or degrade the practice of political
campaigning
· treat my colleagues and clients with respect and never intentionally injure their
professional and personal reputation
· respect the confidence of my client and not reveal private information obtained during
or professional relationship
not use appeal to voters which is based on racism or discrimination; and will
condemn those who use such practices. In turn, I will work for equal voting rights
aod privileges for all citizens
· refl'ain from false and misleading attacks on an opponent or his/her record
be honest in my relationship with the press and candidly answer questions when I
have the authority to do so
· not support any individual organization which resorts to practices forbidden by this
code
Signed: Date:
NOTE: All filings related to this code of ethics shall be made by certified mail to the
League of Women Voters, P. O Box 2923, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 by no later than one
week prior to the election. Telephone inquiries may be directed to Suzanne Ford, Voter
Service Chairperson of the League of Women Voters, (408) 257-3787