CHANGE MY LOCATION
CA board continues debate over political endorsements
SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY
Related Topics: BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The debate over the use of Columbia Association board member’s titles in political endorsements continues, with some members cautioning that endorsements could be inconsistent with the board’s mission.
“When you create a trademark, it’s so the association and the board can have some control over how it’s used,” said Board Member Patrick von Schlag, at Thursday’s Board of Directors meeting via teleconference.
The board was discussing the draft of the association’s code of ethics, which included language limiting political endorsements.
The board “represents people from all persuasions and all parties,” Board Member Pearl Atkinson-Stewart said, adding she is concerned about the board’s image.
However, Board Member Phil Marcus took issue with the concern over political endorsements, questioning why all endorsements aren’t prohibited.
“What’s so terrible about politics?” Marcus asked.
Board Members Barbara Russell, from Oakland Mills, and Cynthia Coyle, from Harper’s Choice, came under fire last fall for endorsing Chris Merdon in his bid for Howard County Executive.
The two were cleared of accusations they violated the board’s charter, but members later questioned whether prohibiting the use of their titles in endorsements violates First Amendment rights. The association sought legal advice on this topic.
In a memo released at Thursday’s board meeting, the association’s general counsel said the association was not violating free speech, because CA is not a government entity.
Von Schlag recommended the board adopt the changes to the ethics code that don’t infringe on free speech but that allow the association to retain control over the brand.
However, Coyle raised concerns over the language stating that a board member is considered to be representing the association when attending a meeting as a CA representative.
“I can be a representative of CA, but I’m not representing CA,” she said.
Coyle suggested a clause saying that board members clarify that they are speaking on their own behalf, not that of the association, which she said was a common practice for organizations.
Still divided on the issue, the draft was sent back to the board operations committee for further review.
smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
1:32 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "Romney: ‘I’m a conservative Republican’"
Report as inappropriate
8:19 AM MST on Wed., Jan. 23, 2008
re: "Romney: ‘I’m a conservative Republican’"
Report as inappropriate
Examiner Reader said:
I'm an Amerca Catholic born en Cuba.I will bote for Romney.He is the best for America.I like for what he stand en Emigration, en Economic and gay righ and Family also en Militare y make Amerca stronguer.Pardon my English.Lida Brett
233 agree | 191 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Right on, Sammon! Let our "Yes" be yes; let our "No" be no. Keep it up; there's more of us out here than some who are being led to think. From Okieland, Mary Westrope
232 agree | 210 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree