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<br />(Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, etc.), letters to the editor of newspapers, and personal
<br />endorsements:
<br />• Do not share any private or confidential information you have access to as a result of
<br />your City position.
<br />• Any personal communications made on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the
<br />efficiency of the City’s operation, including by negatively affecting morale. Put another
<br />way, such public comments must not undermine any City department’s ability to
<br />effectively serve the public. Disruptive personal communications can include liking or
<br />republishing (sharing/retweeting) a social media post of another individual or entity.
<br />The City can act on the personal communication that violates this policy without waiting
<br />for the actual disruption.
<br />• Remember what you write or post cannot easily be undone. It may also be spread to a
<br />larger audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social
<br />media sites. It is a good idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos
<br />you would not want your boss or other employees to read, or you would be
<br />embarrassed to see in the newspaper. Keep in mind harassment, bullying, threats of
<br />violence, discrimination, or retaliation concerning a co-worker or between co-workers
<br />that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible online, even if it is
<br />done after hours, from home and on home computers.
<br />• The City expects its employees to be fair, courteous, and respectful to supervisors, co-
<br />workers, citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the city. Avoid using
<br />statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious,
<br />obscene, threatening or intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or
<br />bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally
<br />harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work
<br />environment on the basis of sex, race (including traits associated with race, including,
<br />but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locs and twists) national
<br />origin, age, color, creed, religion, disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status,
<br />sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, status with regard to public
<br />assistance or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.
<br />• If you publish something related to City business and there is liable to be confusion
<br />whether you are speaking on behalf of the City, it would be best to identify yourself and
<br />use a disclaimer such as, “These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the
<br />City of Lino Lakes.”
<br />• City resources, working time, or official city positions cannot be used for personal profit
<br />or business interests, or to participate in personal political activity. Some examples: a
<br />building inspector could not use the City’s logo, email, or working time to promote
<br />his/her side business as a plumber; a parks employee should not access a park after
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