Public employees, by nature of their employment, are restricted from participating in certain political activities. Employees contemplating any direct or indirect involvement with a political organization, campaign or issue should review this policy, as well as ORS 124.57.
(A) Employees may not become actively involved in the campaigns for New Lebanon Village Council.
(1) Political expressions such as posters, banners or buttons are prohibited in village offices. Petitions for any cause may not be circulated on village time or on village property.
(2) Employees may not use their position as a village official or employee to support, endorse or campaign for any candidate.
(3) These provisions do not otherwise prevent an employee from expressing political opinions, signing petitions, registering and voting, making voluntary contributions to political parties or causes, supporting issues or holding public office, to the extent such activity is not prohibited by law.
(B) No employee may seek appointment or election to public office without approval of the Municipal Manager but no employee shall be allowed to be an elected official of the village and an employee of the municipality.
(C) Village employees shall not endorse any candidate for municipal office. No employee shall make, solicit or receive any contribution to the campaign funds of any candidate for municipal office, take part in the political campaign of municipal office candidates, or participate in political campaigns by any means whatsoever during work hours.
(Ord. 2005-13, passed 12-20-05; Am. Ord. 2019-06, passed 12-17-19)