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 a 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 insure 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.
CANDIDATE
Any individual seeking election to a 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 assumptions 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.