The California Constitution requires public funds to be used for a public purpose. A Public Servant may not use or permit others to use public resources for campaign, personal, or non-City purposes. Under the Government Ethics Act, a Public Servant may not use his or her position or prospective position or power for private advantage, benefit or gain.
What are public resources
Any property or asset owned by the City, including but not limited to computers, land, buildings, facilities, funds, supplies, telephones, equipment, vehicles, travel, and City-compensated time are considered public resources.
What is considered “use” of public resources?
Any use of public resources that results in a gain/advantage to the user or a loss to the City for which a monetary value may be estimated.
Prohibitions related to political activity
A Public Servant or candidate for City office may not directly or indirectly solicit a political contribution from another Public Servant, unless the solicitation was made to a significant segment of the public generally which may include Public Servants. A Public Servant is also prohibited from participating in political activities while in his or her City work-related uniform.