HomeMy WebLinkAboutCampaigning Policy ReviewLakeville
Memorandum
City of Lakeville
Parks & Recreation
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee Members
From: John Hennen, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 1, 2021
Subject: Follow -Up to Campaigning at Parks and Recreation Events Discussion
At the November 3rd Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meeting, committee
members expressed concerns regarding political candidates and their supporters participating
in a volunteer capacity at the Haunted Forest. The concerns committee members have is that
from a spectator's viewpoint it could be misconstrued that the City is endorsing a candidate as
a result of them working the event as a volunteer. Committee members directed staff to
propose language addressing the situation.
The attached draft policy specifically outlines what is permissible and impermissible political
campaigning activities at Lakeville Parks and Recreation events.
Staff will review the policy with committee members at our meeting and are asking for
feedback and input from committee members.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING AT LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to outline the permissible and impermissible political campaigning activities
at Lakeville Parks and Recreation events. This policy is in place to ensure that all attendees of Parks and
Recreation events feel welcome regardless of their personal political beliefs.
II. PROCEDURE
a. The City of Lakeville and its employees will remain neutral to all political campaigns and refrain from
campaigning for any one candidate or ballot issue while serving in an official capacity for the City.
b. Individuals serving in a volunteer capacity for the City of Lakeville will not be allowed to campaign
for any one candidate or ballot issue during Parks and Recreation events. This includes wearing
campaign t -shirts, buttons or other campaign insignia. In addition, campaign literature, handouts, or
other printed materials cannot be distributed by City volunteers.
c. Political candidates, committees or groups who are interested in attending Parks and Recreation
events for the purpose of campaigning must seek approval from the Parks and Recreation Director
and be required to purchase booth/green space at the event. These groups will in no way be
endorsed by the City of Lakeville or its employees.
III. POLICY ENFORCEMENT
This policy will be enforced by City of Lakeville Parks and Recreation Staff. Volunteers who are non-
compliant will be asked to remedy their non-compliance or leave the event.