Today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will propose tough new texting and lobbying rules which will be placed before the Board of County Commission for discussion on January 15.
Jacobs’ proposal comes against the backdrop of the outrage caused when lobbyists texted members of the County Commission during the Sick Time debate, many of which have never been made public to date.
“I want to ensure that our government operates as openly and transparently as possible,” said Jacobs in a released statement. “The recent furor over text messages from lobbyists during public hearings brought to light the need to update our policies to keep pace with the latest communications tools and customs.”
Jacobs, who will ask the County Commission to prohibit lobbying via text message and voicemail, said “I believe this is the best way to ensure we are open, transparent and worthy of public trust.”
Jacobs will also recommend that board members, including the Mayor and appointed staff, be prohibited from using personal email accounts to conduct county business. As well, the Mayor will ask the board to ban the use of personal mobile electronic devices to conduct official business via text message or voicemail. Also, the Mayor will recommend that lobbyists be required to log all lobbying contacts with the Mayor or Commissioners, including telephone calls, within seven days of the conversation.
Jacobs will hold a press availability to announce the tougher new texting rules later on Thursday.
