Verbal Comment - Eleanor Yick 6-17-25 1. Personal vs. Official Capacity
Commissioners are encouraged to engage with the public on matters of Town
concern. When doing so, they should be mindful of the distinction between
personal views and official Town policy.
• Commissioners may express their personal views on any issue, including
those within the scope of their commission.
• When speaking outside a formal meeting, commissioners should clarify
whether they are:
o Speaking as an individual and not on behalf of their Commission or
the Town, or
o Conveying a position officially adopted by the Commission.
• A simple disclaimer—e.g., "I speak for myself, not on behalf of the
Commission or the Town"—is encouraged when views are personal.
2. Media, Letters, and Public Forums
• Commissioners do not need Town approval to write letters, give
interviews, or speak in public forums as private citizens.
• Commissioners should not represent that their views are those of the
Commission or Town unless explicitly authorized by a vote of the
Commission or direction from Town Council.
• Any official correspondence sent on behalf of a Commission or the Town—
such as letters, statements, or reports—must be approved by the full
Commission at a public meeting. If the correspondence expresses an official
town policy position intended for the Town Council or the public, it must
also be reviewed by the Town Manager or Town Attorney before being
released.
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3. Public Meetings and Decorum
• Commissioners are expected to maintain decorum and civility when
participating in public meetings, whether in person, on Zoom, or on Town
social media platforms.
• Disruptive or harassing behavior in meetings is subject to the Brown Act,
including the provisions of SB 1100, which authorize removal for actual
disruption after warning.
4. Social Media
• Commissioners are free to use social media in their personal capacity but are
encouraged to include a disclaimer when discussing Town issues.
• Commissioners should not use Town resources, logos, or staff support to
promote personal opinions without authorization.
5. Whistleblower and Public Comment Protections
• This policy shall not be construed to limit:
o The right of any commissioner to blow the whistle on misconduct or
express dissent.
o Any commissioner's ability to make public comments, criticize Town
policies, or engage in advocacy.
6. Oversight
• Any concerns about misrepresentation or inappropriate public
communications should be addressed:
o First through discussion with the staff liaison or Commission Chair;
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o If unresolved, through written referral to the Town Clerk for Council
consideration.
7. Commissioner Outreach and Information Gathering
To fulfill their advisory role, commissioners may engage in outreach or
information gathering relevant to their Commission's duties. This may include:
• Meeting with community members or stakeholder groups;
• Requesting input from subject-matter experts, nonprofit organizations, or
service providers;
• Visiting sites, attending events, or reviewing programs related to agenda
items.
Such outreach is permitted and encouraged, provided that:
• Commissioners clarify they are acting as fact-finders—not speaking for the
Town or representing an adopted Commission position;
• Commissioners do not promise action or express conclusions on behalf of
the Commission or Town;
• Any substantive findings or input received should be shared at a public
meeting for consideration by the full Commission.
This provision does not limit the ability of a Commission to vote to conduct formal
outreach or hearings as a body, in coordination with Town staff when appropriate.
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