HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 07-19 Civility and Civil DiscourseRESOLUTION NO. 07-19
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA,
PLEDGING TO FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE
IN ALL OF ITS MEETINGS
THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Morro Bay, California
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 70-15 pledging to follow best practices of
civility and civil discourse in all of its meetings, principles developed by the League of Women Voters; and
WHEREAS, on May 8, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 27-18 restating its commitment to the principles of
civility and civil discourse in conducting business with appointed and elected officials, staff and citizens; and
WHEREAS, a healthy democracy respects the people's right to debate issues with passion; and not only tolerates
disagreement but welcomes it; and
WHEREAS, honest debate helps refine ideas and create policies that benefit the greater good; and
WHEREAS, we, the Mayor, City Council Members, Commissioners, Appointees, and Staff of the- City of Morro Bay, in
order to ensure civility and civil discourse in all of our meetings, reaffirm and pledge our commitment to the following
best practices of civility and civil discourse; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to listen first, making an honest effort to understand views and reasoning of
others by listening to understand, not listening to find fault, allowing thoughtful discussion to lead to the best possible
outcomes; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to respect different opinions, by inviting and considering different perspectives,
allowing space for ideas to be expressed, opposed and clarified in a constructive manner; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to show courtesy, by treating all colleagues, staff and members of the public in
a professional and courteous manner whether in person, online, or in written communication, especially when we
disagree; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to avoid rhetoric and refrain from making slanderous, profane or personal
remarks intended to humiliate, malign, or question the motivation of those whose opinions are different from ours in
all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to speak truthfully without accusation, and avoid distortion in all our meetings;
and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to debate the policy not the person, focusing on the issue, and not
personalizing the debate or using other tactics that divert attention from the issue; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment against violence and incivility in all their forms whenever and wherever they
occur in all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we commit ourselves to build a civil political community in which each person is respected and spirited public
and political debate is aimed at the betterment of the City of Morro Bay and its people and not the disparagement of those
with whom we disagree.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, City of Morro Bay, California, that the Mayor, City Council
Members, Commissioners, Appointees, and Staff of the City of Morro Bay shall promote the use of and adherence to the
principles of civility and civil discourse in conducting business with appointed and elected officials, staff, and citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Council directs this resolution pledging best practices of civility and civil discourse
be brought forward in January of each year for re -affirmation by the City Council.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Morro Bay at a regular meeting thereof held on the 22nd day
of January 2019 on the following vote:
AYES: Headding, Addis, Davis, McPherson
NOES: Heller
ABSENT: None
-ATTE T:�
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ANA SWANSON, City Clerk