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, I . I . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Hartnett declared a recess at 9:14 p.m. -- Meeting reconvened at 9:26 p.m. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------____n---- 7. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST A. Councilman Leipzig referred to the letter sent to Council from the City Attorney in reference to a political mailer endorsing Supervisor Griffin bearing a stamped imprint of support by the Redwood City Council. Councilman Leipzig stated that the Council had not endorsed anyone for political office and he considered this a shocking situation at the minimum and an extremely serious matter. He said the Council was being used and he was offended at this attempt to influence votes by using this kind of endorsement. He asked his colleagues what recourse they could take to remedy this situation. After considerable Council discussion, City Attorney Schricker said the absence of a record of such a vote speaks for itself and since the Council had here disassociated itself from that mailer, he didn't know if he would recommend any further action. In answer to Council questions, City Attorney Schricker said it was entirely appropriate for individual Council Members to endorse candidates. He said he believed that endorsements of legislative measures on the ballot that affected the municipal corporation would be permissible, but Council endorsements of individual candidates would not appear to be "municipal business." '--' Councilman Leipzig said regardless of the candidate, this kind of action was too serious to brush under the rug. There should be repercussions. Mayor Hartnett said this item was not on the published agenda and therefore no action could be taken. He also stated the Council had yet to see the entire document. Councilman Claire said he had received mailers worse than this one, and he believed it was up to the individual to pursue it with the Fair Political Practices Commission in Sacramento. Council Members La Berge and Ruskin said, although the letter was fine, they were very disappointed with the language implying an endorsement in the headline, and they regretted being in this position. Councilman Ruskin said he learned that in the future he would not lend his name to endorsements before seeing the final product. Councilman Leipzig requested that the actual mailer be submitted to the Council and that this item be put on a future agenda for a formal discussion. MEMO 3/27/96 ',,---, MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 155 March 25, 1996 Page 12