WILL THE CITY RESPECT THE ETHICS CODE? OR CHERRY PICK WHEN THEY COMPLY?

Once again the city will meet to follow the recommendations of the ethic board 1, to admonish the Deputy Mayor, Cherie Kidd or impose a more stricter punishment, removing Kidd from her position as Deputy Mayor? Tuesday's meeting should draw a big crowd I suspect, given the topic. It will be lesson how democracy works, or at least should work. If they end up being in a stalemate again, and decide to do nothing, they must well shred that code of ethics. As you recall in the PDN article Kidd is quoted in saying:  “Our council procedures are a living document. We do change them from time to time because we learn things, and so it’s a living document, and I have learned from this experience myself. “I will do my best to show courtesy and respect, and I’ve worked hard for the city for many years, and I will continue to work hard for the city for many years. See pdn article: Cherie Kidd on Feb. 2 council meeting: ‘I have learned from this experience’

Background information from city staff memo in Tuesday's meeting:
Four complaints have been filed against City Councilmembers since
February, all alleging that council members violated the City’s Code of Ethical Conduct as
outlined in Chapter 2.78 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. As directed by the municipal code,
the Council assemble 3-member boards from a pool of pre-approved applicants to serve on
Boards to receive, investigate and make recommendations for disposition of the complaints.
Complaints 3 and 4 were ultimately withdrawn, and therefore no further action was required of
Council. Of the two ethics complaints that went forward, Boards (1) and (2) submitted their
written findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations for disposition to the Council.
On September 6, Council voted 5-0 to accept the recommendation of Board (2) regarding a
complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd and Councilmember Gase. Despite extended discussion,
and several votes on various motions, Council was unable to reach consensus on any action
regarding the recommendation of Board (1) regarding a complaint against Deputy Mayor Kidd.
Council agreed to table the matter and bring it back a month later. Council now must determine
what action, if any, to take in the disposition of the complaint. If Council chooses to take action,
Chapter 2.78.080 outlines Council’s options. That section is included as Attachment 2.
Funding Overview: There was funding associated with the legal representation of
Councilmembers in defending themselves during the process associated with Boards 1 and 2,
however, there is no necessary funding anticipated for Council’s review and disposition of the
complaint. The total amount spent on outside legal representation was $20,000.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3361

Editorial Comment: Note that the $20,000 legal expense was on the taxpayer, not out of pocket expense of  Kidd or Gase. But, that's just a sidebar note, worth noting because I think they could have easily paid for legal counsel on their own dime. Unless the city has a legal defense fund for such occasions for council members who can't afford legal representation when something like this occurs. I guess that would be a different story. But, all of this is beside the point in whether or not the council will practice what they preach or not, that violators of the ethics code will be punished or not. This will be something to see on Tuesday.

In other city related meetings...

This meeting is before the city's regular session on Tuesday.
Presentation to Council on Investments Policy
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles. The purpose of the meeting is to receive a short presentation on Investments Policy. The special meeting is open to the public. The regular City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more meetings and on the spot commentaries click here!