-------------------------------------------------- Last Chance to Offer Input On New Chief of Police!
May 3rd at Harding High * May 4th at Humboldt High Info: http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/chief.html -------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 5/3/2004 12:50:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > However, it is unlikely the Board will accept the mayor's claim that the city > council can accept gifts via a city council vote. I smashed that argument pretty > solid. Is it your contention then that under the current law no one can donate anything to the City of Saint Paul? Since the gift ban clearly covers not only elected officials but city employees also, and any donation in some way assists the City in doing its work, and under your contention the City Council can't accept a donation to allow the elected officials to do their work, than the Council can't accept donations for any city employee to do their work, correct? The City for years has passed resolutions accepting donations from corporations of equipment or cash. Bright staff people solicit those donations and the company gets good PR and a tax write off. It would not be unusual for a company to make a restricted cash donation for example to send an undesignated city employee to a training on a topic that concerned their issue (public safety, equal rights, fire safety). So, when Marty laws went into effect the Council has done the same thing for donations to encourage the participation of elected officials in civic events that cost money. Promoting the City of Saint Paul is a part of the job of the mayor and council. As such, when the mayor or council goes to a hockey game to visibly promote the city as a part of their job duties the city will pay for the ticket. If the law does not allow the acceptance of those tickets (to do the business of the city) then we'd have to assume that the law does not allow any business to donate anything to the City. I had thought, and could be wrong, that the law was intended to make sure that businesses or interested parties did not make personal gifts to elected officials. Those who assume that tickets are personal donations assume that the elected official wants to give up another night with the family to be out doing PR. Folks, I know you don't believe me, but its a part of the job, and as a part of the job the game face is on and the man (or woman) is working. During the eight years when I worked for a city council member whenever I would go out with my better half, she'd ask me, "are WE going out tonight, or are you working and I'm just with you?" There was a difference. Anyway, you may be right, the law may prohibit the City from ever taking anything from anyone for any purpose. If true its a shame. Just My Opinion Not Those Of My Employers Past Present Or Future Chuck Repke _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
