HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-10905 amending the existing pledge to follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in all of its meetingsRESOLUTION NO 10905 (2018 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE EXISTING PLEDGE TO
FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE IN
ALL OF ITS MEETINGS
WHEREAS, the City Council commits itself to building a civil political community in
which each person is respected and spirited public and political debate is aimed at the betterment
of the City of San Luis Obispo and its people and not the disparagement of those with whom we
disagree; and
WHEREAS, the City Council pledges to promote the use of and adherence to the
principles of civility and civil discourse in conducting business with appointed and elected
officials, staff, and citizens.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to reaffirm the importance of civility and civil
discourse in the democratic process and incorporating by reference Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, in order to ensure civility and civil discourse in all of our meetings, we pledge our
commitment to the following best practices of civility and civil discourse:
A. To respect the right of all people to hold different opinions in all our meetings.
B. To avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate, malign, or question the motivation of
those whose opinions are different from ours in all our meetings.
C. To strive to understand differing perspectives in all our meetings;
D. To choose words carefully in all our meetings.
E. To speak truthfully without accusation and avoid distortion in all our meetings.
F. To speak out against violence, prejudice, and incivility in all their forms whenever
and wherever they occur in all our meetings.
R 10905
Resolution No. 10905 (2018 Series)
Page 2
SECTION 1. Resolution Number 10668 (2015 Series) is hereby amended and superseded
to the extent inconsistent herewith.
Upon motion of Council Member Rivoire, seconded by Vice Mayor Christianson, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Gomez, Pease and Rivoire,
Vice Mayor Christianson and Mayor Harmon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 5th day o
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS -T -0 -FORM:
!. Kristine Die -trick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this 2S" day of OuLInc- 2 U 1
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
R 10905
Resolution No. 10905 (2018 Series)
EXBHIBIT A Page 3
CODE OF CIVILITY
A healthy democracy respects the people's right to debate issues with passion. A healthy democracy not
only tolerates disagreement but welcomes it in order to refine ideas and create policies that benefit the
greater good.
The deterioration of civility across the country and within our community poses a threat to our democracy
and our civic well-being. This deterioration:
• Compromises the integrity of a healthy, representative democracy
■ Closes the door on depth of thought, reducing complex problems to harmful oversimplification
• Deters potential leaders from running for office or serving in government
• Poisons the civic well and discourages citizens from engaging on pressing community issues
• Casts the spotlight on poor behavior rather than shining a light on possible solutions
■ Sets a poor example for our children
As elected leaders throughout the region we are accountable to each other, the press and the public. We
have crafted this Code of Civility as a promise to each other, and to the people and institutions we serve,
that we will always strive to conduct our debates - whether in person, online, or in written communication
- in ways that allow for the widest range of opinions on ideas and policies, yet also respect the dignity,
integrity and rights of those with whom we might disagree.
Therefore, in our deliberations, we pledge to:
Listen First
We will make an honest effort to understand views and reasoning of others by listening to understand, not
listening to find fault, allowing thoughtful discussion to lead to the best possible outcomes.
Respect Different Opinions
We will invite and consider different perspectives, allowing space for ideas to be expressed, opposed and
clarified in a constructive manner.
Show Courtesy
We will treat all colleagues, staff and members of the public in a professional and courteous manner
whether in person, online, or in written communication, especially when we disagree.
Criticize Constructively
We strive to advance solutions to community issues; when faced with disagreement, we do more than
simply share our concerns with differing positions, we work to propose a course of action of mutual benefit.
Debate the Policy Not the Person
We will focus on the issues, and not personalize debate or use other tactics that divert attention from the
issue.
R10905
A healthy democracy respects the people's right to debate issues with passion. A healthy democracy not only tolerates disagreement but
welcomes it in order to refine ideas and create policies that benefit the greater good.
The deterioration of civility across the country and within our community poses a threat to our democracy and our civic well-being. This
deterioration:
• Compromises the integrity of a healthy, representative democracy
• Closes the door on depth of thought, reducing complex problems to harmful oversimplification
• Deters potential leaders from running for office or serving in government
• Poisons the civic well and discourages citizens from engaging on pressing community issues
• Casts the spotlight on poor behavior rather than shining a light on possible solutions
* Sets a poor example for our children
We have crafted this Code of Civility as a promise to each other, and to the people and institutions we serve., that we will always strive to
conduct our debates - whether in person, online,, or in written communication - in ways that allow for the widest range of opinions on ideas
and policies, yet also respect the dignity, integrity and rights of those with whom we might disagree. With our individual and collective
commitment to this code, we welcome our elected colleagues, the press and the public to hold us accountable.
In our deliberations we pledge to:
Listen First
We will make an honest effort to understand views and reasoning of others by listening to understand, not listening to find fault, allowing
thoughtful discussion to lead to the best possible outcomes.
Respect Different Opinions
We will invite and consider different perspectives, allowing space for ideas to be expressed, opposed and clarified in a constructive manner.
Be Courteous
We will treat all colleagues, staff and members of the public in a professional and courteous manner whether in person, online, or in written
communication, especially when we disagree.
Disagree Constructively
We will strive to advance solutions to community issues; when faced with disagreement, we do more than simply share our concerns with
differing positions, we work to propose a course of action of mutual benefit.
Debate the Policy Not the Person
We will focus on the issues, and not personalize debate or use other tactics that divert attention from the issue.
CITY OF
GA L I FOR
MayoqJim Hill I City of Arroyo Grande
fl
Mayor Tom O'Malley ity 0 At*,,-adero
MayA//fo_hn Shoals I City of Grover Beach
Mayor .16(hie irons j City of Morro Bay
COUNTY
o SAN LUIS
OBISPO
1p
--fM—a rti n
I
Mayor Steve
I
ity of Paso Robles
Mayor Ed Waage I City orPismo Beach
V,
Mayor Heidi Harmdh City of San Luis Obispo
Cit Jo n Peschong San Luis 06ispb County