The proposal, tabled Monday by council members, would have removed restrictions on council members using the "influence or prestige" of their office to endorse or oppose political candidates. The council in June is expected to reconsider the proposed amendments to the city's code of conduct for council members and city staff.
Councilman Ron Kelley said he was open to the proposed changes, but he disagreed with the timing of the planned Monday vote, citing the upcoming June 10 runoff elections in which two council seats are up for grabs.
“I just think it’s changing the rules in the midst of election season,” Kelley said before moving to table the proposal.
The council approved the motion to table, 4-3. The item is expected to be reconsidered at a council meeting following the June 10 runoffs.
While the proposal would allow council members to use the influence of their office to make endorsements, the proposal would maintain restrictions on political activity by city employees, who are bound by state law to not use their offices to endorse candidates for elective office.
City OKs animal shelter projects
Council members on Monday also signed off on a series of improvements to the Plano Animal Shelter totaling nearly $700,000.
The council approved a $333,949 bid to provide a showcase area at the animal shelter for adoptable cats and dogs. This funding would also cover the cost of renovating the shelter’s dog quarantine area.
Council members also approved another $362,980 bid to replace the shelter’s 17-year-old roof.
