From: Diane
To: [email protected]
Subject: Code of Ethics
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:51:06 AM
Thank you for following the required actions layed out in Resolution 2016-73 and reviewing the Code of Ethics. However, it seems very disingenuous when some of the items listed in the Code of Ethics are blatantly ignored.
Under "Responsibility", the council members are to "avoid actions that might cause the public to question my independent judgement". Since the swearing in of the new council in December of 2022, the new members have voted in tandem on virtually every vote. I certainly question their independent judgement when none of the newer four members ever vote independently.
Also under "Responsibility", council members are to be "a prudent steward of public resources and actively consider the impact of [their] decisions on the financial and social stability of the city and its citizens." We only have to look at the current ballot measures to know that is not true. No matter how one feels about the measures themselves, the council certainly could have waited until the General Election and saved the city about $400,000 when putting the items on the ballot. Measure A was rushed to the ballot before a thorough cost analysis could be completed and the City Attorney has told us in his impartial analysis that the cost cannot be known at this time. We also know that if Measure A were to pass, the city would incur several legal actions, which are not free, even if we have a City Attorney on salary. If he has to work on this issue, he will have to forego something else (which is a cost) or hire someone else to cover that other item (which is a cost).
Under "Fairness", it says that council members "make decisions based on the merits of an issue, including research and facts." Most of the decisionsI have witnessed by the council majority have not been based on research or facts. As the OC Register has noted, this council pursues "Culture War" issues which are emotionally charged, but based on very little fact.
The final category is "Honesty" and it says that council members are "honest with all elected officials, staff, commission members, boards, the public and others." At the last council meeting, there was a clear vote to do away with the traditional monthly observances such as Women's History Month, Black History Month, etc. The question was clearly asked and answered from the dais. However, the next day, there was suddenly back-tracking and blaming staff for misunderstanding. That is not an example of being honest with the public or staff.
Hopefully, after this annual review of the Code of Ethics, the council will be reminded of what is expected of them and they will live up to those standards that have been upheld in Huntington Beach for decades.
Sincerely,
Diane James