§ 8-10. Code of ethics for candidates for public office.

(a)

This section, as prescribed herein, shall hereinafter be referenced as the "Lauderhill Ethics Code for Candidates."

(b)

"Candidate" shall mean any individual that has formally opened a campaign account for public office, whether a current public official or candidate for public office.

(c)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall use any position they hold in a not-for-profit organization, civic organization, or service organization, or allow others within their control in said organization, to use their position for the candidate's special gain for public office, thereby abusing their position, and violating the foundations of that organization.

(d)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall claim the support of any other person or organization without the express written consent of that person or organization.

(e)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall conduct themselves in a moral and ethical manner as to promote the public respect in the elective office.

(f)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall respectfully abide by the directions given them by the city clerk as the city's supervisor of elections, and all others authorized as provided by law.

(g)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall abide by all state laws and the laws of the city, concerning election requirements, including, but not limited to, the posting of signs, and the distance requirements at voting precincts, and shall obey any orders given them by authorized individuals to comply with said laws.

(h)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall interfere with the ability of the electorate to vote on election day, including, but not limited to: blocking the entrance to voting precincts; arguing with voters, workers, or other candidates; or displaying any behavior which would bring disrespect to the electorate, or to any others present.

(i)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall represent, verbally or in writing, any statements which are untrue or misleading about any other candidate.

(j)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall conduct their campaign by creating negative inferences about their opponent, which are false and misleading.

(k)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall, prior to communicating any information about their opponent, satisfy to a reasonable degree, the truth of the information.

(l)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall seek to avoid "negative campaigns" which would merely cause to discourage the electorate from voting and cast a negative perception to the public concerning the elective process.

(m)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall cause their campaigns for office to be conducted with the utmost respect as to promote the positive public interest in the candidates, election and image of the city.

(n)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall use any city employee within their campaign which would be a violation of the city's policy as to its employees, or a violation of any other law.

(o)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall put undue pressure on any city employee, resident or business to assist in their campaign, respecting the rights of that person and that of the public.

(p)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall utilize any city equipment in the support of any political campaign unless permitted under law.

(q)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall respect and comply with all rights, regulations and orders of private property owners, including condominium and homeowner associations, and if in doubt, shall first inquire from owners and duly authorized representatives as to such rights and regulations.

(r)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall post signs on city property, city parks, or city rights-of-way.

(s)

No candidate for elective office in the city shall post signs on private property without first obtaining permission from the property owner or their legal representative.

(t)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall instruct and direct their campaign workers and volunteers to conduct themselves in accordance with the Lauderhill Ethics Code for Candidates.

(u)

All candidates for elective office in the city shall sign, under oath, a copy of the Lauderhill Ethics Code for Candidates upon the opening of a campaign account, or the enactment of this section, whichever occurs last.

(v)

Upon the signing, under oath, of the Lauderhill Ethics Code for Candidates, the candidate may place in their campaign literature the following statement:

"This campaign for elective office is being conducted in accordance with the Lauderhill Ethics Code for Candidates, and the candidate (or name of candidate) has complied by signing the prescribed oath."

(Ord. No. 99O-11-163, §§ 1—22, 12-13-99)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 99O-11-163, §§ 1—22, adopted Dec. 13, 1999, did not specifically amend the Code; hence inclusion as a new § 8-10 was at the editor's discretion.