It is the purpose of this chapter to define certain corrupt practices and provide for the punishment therefor in an attempt to maintain an atmosphere of free discussion of the issues before the municipality and continue the free workings of the municipal administration.
(S.G.C. 10.04.010; Ord. 73-59 § 3, 1973)
The words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:
“Accepting a bribe”
means the acceptance of any of the items stated in the definition of “bribery” by any assemblyman, official or employee of the municipality.
Blackmail.
Either of the following constitutes blackmail:
1. 
Threat to accuse another of a crime, or of immoral conduct which, if true, would tend to degrade and disgrace him, or to expose or publish any of his infirmities or failings; provided, that the threat is made with the intent to extort pecuniary advantage or property from him or with intent to compel him to do an act or refrain therefrom against his will,
2. 
Threaten to subject another to the ridicule or contempt of society; provided, that the threat is made with the intent to extort pecuniary advantage or property from him or with intent to compel him to do an act or refrain therefrom against his will,
3. 
That the matters threatened to be exposed in this section are true or did occur is no defense.
“Bribery”
means to give, offer or promise to give a gift or gratuity, or to corruptly promise to do or cause to be done an act, beneficial to an assemblyman, official, or employee of the municipality, with intent to influence the vote, opinion, decision, judgment or official conduct of the person in question concerning the municipality.
Coercion.
Any one of the following acts done for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence any assemblyman or municipal employee or official to do or not to do any act shall constitute coercion:
1. 
Either by verbal or written means to make threats concerning possible physical harm to any assemblyman, official or employee, or members of their immediate families.
2. 
Either by verbal or written means to make threats concerning possible harm to the property of any assemblyman, official or employee, or to the property of his employer or to any property in which immediate family have an interest. The threat to withdraw business is deemed a threat concerning possible harm to property.
“Undue influence”
means the influencing, obstructing, impeding or the attempt to influence, obstruct or impede the legislative or executive administration of the municipality by corruption, force, threats or by threatening letter or communication.
(S.G.C. 10.04.020; Ord. 73-59 § 3, 1973)
Coercion, bribery, accepting a bribe, undue influence and blackmail, as set forth above, are declared unlawful acts and any person convicted for such acts shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by fine of not more than $300.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by both.
(S.G.C. 10.04.030; Ord. 73-59 § 3, 1973)