18.05.090 Prohibition on use of public moneys to promote passage of ballot propositions.
A. Except as provided in subsections (B) and (C) of this section, money held by the city may not be used to influence the outcome of the election of a candidate.
B. Money held by the city may be used to influence the outcome of an election concerning a ballot proposition or question, but only if the funds have been specifically appropriated for that purpose by a state law or a municipal ordinance.
C. Money held by the city may be used to:
1. Disseminate information about the time and place of an election and to hold an election;
2. Provide the public with nonpartisan information about a ballot proposition or question or about all the candidates seeking election to a particular public office.
D. When expenditure of money is authorized by subsection (B) or (C) of this section and is used to influence the outcome of an election, the expenditures shall be reported to the commission in the same manner as an individual is required to report under AS 15.13.040.
E. City-owned buildings and other facilities may be utilized for public meetings, discussions, and other assemblies by private groups supporting or opposing any ballot proposition or bond issue. City employees may arrange for public meetings and assemblies where the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed ballot proposition or bond issue are reasonably fairly presented by opponents and proponents of the item.
F. No posters, fliers or other printed material advocating or opposing a ballot proposition or bond issue may be displayed in any city-owned or controlled building or facility except in a single area of general public access designated by the building supervisor. Both proponents and opponents of the ballot item shall be accorded reasonably equal access to the space.
G. The constitutional rights of public employees to express their personal views on proposed bond issues and ballot propositions during public meetings or in interviews with news media shall not be abridged by this title. However, any employee expressing personal views shall clearly state that the statements reflect personal or professional beliefs only and do not represent the position of the city. (Ord. 620 § 3, 2004; Ord. 546 § 7, 1999; Ord. 515 § 3, 1997)