Memo 017-2013 November 2013, Miami Beach ElectionsG- �VMMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
Tel: 305-673-7010, Fax: 305 - 673 -7782
MEMORANDUM
TO: All City Employees
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manage
DATE: June 24 2013
SUBJECT: November 2013, Miami Beach
This November, our citizens elect a Mayor and three Commissioners. As the City Manager, my professional
code of ethics, as delineated by the International City Management Association (ICMA), requires that I not
participate in elections, specifically those local elections regarding my legislative body.
The reasoning behind the ethical code is that by engaging in electoral activities, I could compromise my ability
to perform my job as City Manager. By supporting, assisting or endorsing a candidate, I could create the
perception that I also support his /her issues or positions. Also, since our electoral process is a win /lose situation
that sometimes generates long lasting opinions and emotions, supporting one candidate over another could
alienate a segment of the population, thereby affecting my ability to be viewed as what I am; professional and
objective on issues.
The senior management City staff is also bound to abide by this particular ethics code for the same reasons that
affect me as the City Manager.
Beyond the managerial staff, I expect all City employees to be aware of, and to the extent possible, follow the
ethical code of not becoming involved in local elections. The more employees who abide by this particular ethics
code, the higher the level of confidence the public will havein us as an entity.
Additionally, Section 104.31 (2) of the Florida Statutes entitled "Political Activities of State, County and Municipal
Officers and Employees" states, "An employee of the State or any political subdivision may not participate in any
political campaign for an elective office while on duty."
While everyone is free to participate in the political process and to exercise his or her First Amendment rights in
political campaigns, no City employee may do so while on City time or as part of City employment. That is,
employees may not campaign for, visit or aid candidates for elective office for political purposes during regular
working hours. Further, employees may not use any City facilities, supplies or equipment, including City
computers, telephones or vehicles, for political purposes.
Department /Division Directors are asked to post this memorandum on departmental bulletin boards and /or
distribute copies so that all employees are made aware of their rights and responsibility not to get involved in
controversies or potential violations of the previously mentioned Florida Statute.
If you have any questions regarding this policy or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
my office.
JLM /SC -T /REG
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