HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/07/1996, C-4 - RESOLUTION PROPOSED BY THE CALIFORNIA ELECTED WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH MEETING DATE:
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FEM" ABER-
;
FROM: John Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer
SUBJECT: Resolution proposed by the California Elected Women's Association for Education
and Research
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution proposed by the California Elected Women's Association for Education and
Research relative to politeness in politics.
DISCUSSION
During the April 25, 1996 Special Meeting of City Councils of San Luis Obispo County,
Councilmember Smith distributed information from the California Elected Women's Association
for Education and Research intended to encourage civility in political debate. She also asked that
each City Council, including San Luis Obispo's, approve a resolution recommended by the
Association_ A resolution is attached for approval for the City Council.
ATTACB MENTS
CEWAER Information
Resolution
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444 o CItySAn lolls OBISP
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t OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL /\
411S O 990 Palm Street ra San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249■805/781-7119■ FAX 8ID&1'-7109
California Elected Women's Association
for Education and Research
Initiative to:
Return to Civility in political debate - New ground
rules . . .
- If you have a difference of opinion -- don't
slam your opponent's character. r
- If you think your political philosophy should
carry the day, convince people with facts, don't
con them with quick fix phrases.
Ways to support:
- May 14, 19`96 be designated "Politeness in
Poli iQ D0" to mark our commitment to civil
Political discourse.
- Introduce attached resolution at next Council
meeting. Discuss the ground rules for conducting
business.
- Renew your personal commitment to conducting
the business of politics in a respectful and ethical
fashion.
Yes social than a can be in with one erson.
Your Council's Consideration is recommended,
Kathy Smith, SLO City Council
CO- y-2
® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services,programs and activitips.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781.7410 n
RESOLUTION NO. (1996 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
RELATIVE TO POLITENESS IN POLITICS
WHEREAS, political debate throughout California and its many communities has in many
cases become fractious and foolish;
WHEREAS, "negative mailers" and "hit pieces" have become commonplace and
acceptable political campaign techniques;
WHEREAS, some campaigns derive their"message" from opinion polls and not through
thoughtful consideration of the issues or involvement in the community;
WHEREAS, voters in this state are increasingly disenchanted with and are disengaging
from the political process;
WHEREAS, a healthy democracy requires a citizenry engaged in the free flow of ideas
and purposeful civil debate on a range of issues;
WHEREAS, negative campaigns and blatant manipulation of voter opinion undermine the
fundamental trust that an electorate must have for a democracy to function;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Luis Obispo City Council joins with
the California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research (CEWAER) in calling
for an ethic of "politeness in politics';
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each citizen, political candidate and elected
official in this state is called upon to commit to political dialogue that is thorough, respectful,
straightforward, and honest;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the Governor, members of the
Legislature, locally elected officials and leaders in the political parties of this great state of
California to commit to revitalizing our political parties of this great state of California to commit
to revitalizing our political dialogue through spirited and civil debate;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that May 14, 1996, be designated "Politeness in
Politics Day" to mark our renewed commitment to civil, political discourse.
On motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote.-
AYES:
ote:AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution of appreciation was adopted this day of 1996.
I
Resolution No. ._
Page 2- - - -
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Allen K. Settle, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Kim Condon,.Assistant City Clerk
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APPROVED:
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