This chapter shall be known as an "Ordinance Banning the Use of Government
Buildings and Government Equipment for Political Fund-raising."
Whereas, political contributions have a profound impact on government
decision making; and whereas, our laws in New Jersey do not presently ban
solicitation or acceptance of contribution by public office holders and employees
while on public property or by use of public facilities; and whereas, conflict
may arise between the business of political fund-raising and the business
of government in town hall and other government-owned premises, and this may
cause a distraction from the people's business; and whereas, the most appropriate
method to prevent this conflict and to ensure the integrity of government
decisions is the prohibition of political fund-raising on or by use of public
property; therefore, it is accordingly found and determined that the paramount
public interest in a clean and accountable government requires the prohibition
of political fund-raising on public property or by use of public facilities.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
CANDIDATE
Any individual seeking election to public office of the federal government,
state, county, municipality, school district or political organization at
an election.
CONTRIBUTION
Includes all loans and transfers of money or other thing of value
to or by any candidate, elected official or political organization and all
pledges or other commitments or assumption of liability to make any such transfer.
Contributions shall be deemed to have been made upon the date when such commitment
is made or liability assumed.
MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL, EMPLOYEE and APPOINTEE
Any person holding elective municipal office or holding an appointed
position in the municipal government, or in any agency, commission, board
or office thereof, whether the position is full time or part time, compensated
or uncompensated; and any employee of municipal government or in any agency,
commission, board or office thereof, whether the position is full-time or
part-time.
MUNICIPALITY
This municipality and any officer, department, board, commission
or agency thereof.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
Any two or more persons acting jointly, or any corporation, partnership
or any other incorporated or unincorporated association which is organized
to, or does, aid or promote the nomination, election or defeat of any candidate
or candidates for federal, state, county, municipal or school board office.
Political organization includes, but is not limited to, organizations otherwise
defined as "political committee," "joint candidates committee" and "legislative
leadership committee."
PROPERTY OF THE MUNICIPALITY
Buildings, land, vehicles, phones, fax machines, computers or other
office equipment or supplies and other real or personal property owned, leased
or controlled by the municipality, except for public roads and open park land.
SOLICIT
To seek by oral or written communication a contribution as same is
defined herein.
Violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a period
of community service not exceeding 90 days or imprisonment in the county jail
for a term not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000.