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Political Events on City Property or Using City Resources

TN
Teresa Nowlin
Mon, Sep 20, 2021 2:34 PM

I have a couple of somewhat related questions:

  • What are your City's policies or practices regarding partisan political groups using City property like a community room or park gazebo?
  • What about political groups planning a special event that requires City resources to block off streets etc.? What if the group/event organizer pays for the City staff time and resources?
  • Does your policy/practice change if these events are political fundraisers?

Particularly in light of the following state law issues: (1) the principle that City resources cannot be used to influence elections (see, e.g., cases on bond elections); and (2) 11 O.S. 22-101.1 that states that municipal employees shall not engage in partisan political activity while on duty. (Aware of, but not focused on, First Amendment considerations right now).

Teresa Nowlin | City Attorney
211 North Elm | P.O Box 2007 | Jenks, OK 74037
918-299-5883 Office

I have a couple of somewhat related questions: * What are your City's policies or practices regarding partisan political groups using City property like a community room or park gazebo? * What about political groups planning a special event that requires City resources to block off streets etc.? What if the group/event organizer pays for the City staff time and resources? * Does your policy/practice change if these events are political fundraisers? Particularly in light of the following state law issues: (1) the principle that City resources cannot be used to influence elections (see, e.g., cases on bond elections); and (2) 11 O.S. 22-101.1 that states that municipal employees shall not engage in partisan political activity while on duty. (Aware of, but not focused on, First Amendment considerations right now). Teresa Nowlin | City Attorney 211 North Elm | P.O Box 2007 | Jenks, OK 74037 918-299-5883 Office