09-26-2012 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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For instance, the elected official who essentially is called an "idiot" or some other baited term, should ignore the comment regardless of whether it happens in the social media realm or not, and regardless of who says it. Responding to such comments only serves to inflame discussions, makes all the participants look silly and petty, and casts a long shadow on the view the public has of the city and its elected leaders. Elected officials should seek to elevate conversation, and to be leaders by being respectful, thoughtful and open- minded. • Mind the law, existing city policies and guidelines. Elected officials who use personal social media accounts are not immune from the law, or from the need to follow existing city policies related to electronic communication among council members, and guidelines related to use of city -owned technology. In addition, any information posted or responded to by elected officials should be done so in a manner that does not violated the letter or spirit of the Open Meeting Law. Remember, two way communications amongst elected officials should be strictly avoided due the possibilities of serial meetings in violation of the Open Meeting Law. Elected officials should be encouraged not upload, post, transmit or make available content known to be false, misleading or fraudulent. They should be encouraged not to post photos that infringe on trademark, copyright or patent rights of others. Elected officials never have the right to post non - public and confidential information such as information related to coworkers, personnel data, medical information, claims or lawsuits against the city. Elected officials should not use city -owned equipment to post to personal sites content that violates existing city policies, that exhibits hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content. Elected officials should be encouraged to post to personal sites only that content which is suitable for readers and viewers of all ages. Your LMC Resource General questions about social media can be directed to the League's Human Resources department. Legal questions can be directed to the Research Department. Both can be reached at (651) 281 -1200 or (800) 925- 1122. • Stop discussing city issues if asked to do so by the City. There may be instances in which an elected official should not comment on city issues. This could occur, for example, if the discussion might violate laws, regulations or confidentiality, or if a.claim or lawsuit has been filed against the city. • Contact by media. Elected officials who are contacted by the media on a topic of official city business should follow city media relations /communications protocols. Loss Conunl 09/09 Page 12 of 12 68