The BoE is influencing an election buy using repeated 'robo calls', Is it improper?

To all concerned: It has come to my attention from multiple sources that the Windsor Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools intend to use town property and resources, in particular the board of education's emergency communications system as well as staff time, to make "robo calls" or an automated call to parents regarding the Tuesday May 14th town budget referendum - see below. Please be advised that any use of town resources to influence the budget referendum would violate state law as well as the town's code of ethics. Section 9-369b of the Connecticut General Statutes strictly prescribes the manner in which the town may communicate with voters regarding referendum questions. Such communication must be (1) approved by the town council, (2) prepared by the town clerk, (3) approved by the town attorney, and (4) consist of a concise explanatory statement specifying the intent and purpose of the referendum proposal. Under no circumstances can such an approved statement advocate for or against the referendum. Thereafter, sufficient copies of the approved statement must be made for public distribution. Outside of this formal approved statement, no municipal resources may be used to influence the approval or disapproval of a referendum question. Any municipal officer or employee who violates or authorizes a violation of this section may be personally liable for civil penalties. Thus, any use of Windsor's emergency communications system or other town resources, including staff time, in a manner that may influence the outcome of Tuesday's budget referendum would be illegal under state law. Even if the message sent to parents does not expressly advocate support for the budget, the fact that town resources will be used to communicate with a select group of Windsor residents regarding the budget referendum will influence the election and is improper. The town budget referendum impacts all Windsor residents and any communication regarding the referendum that is made or organized by town officials or employees or that uses town resources must be neutral, approved in accordance with state statute and directed to all residents. It is my understanding that not just one, but MULTIPLE, robo calls to public school parents are planned between now and Tuesday. The obvious intent and impact of communicating ONLY with the parents of current public school students would be to increase the turnout of this select group of voters to the disadvantage of all other voters. Elections have been held at certain Windsor schools for years and, in fact, only three schools are impacted. Tuesday's election has been duly publicized by town election officials. The administration of the election is the job of those officials, NOT the Board of Education or Superintendent of Schools. The idea that numerous robo calls are needed as an emergency notification to all public school parents of the fact that elections will be ongoing at three schools on Tuesday is patently absurd. It is clear that the true intent, even if the message sent to parents does not expressly advocate support for the budget, is to drive up turnout among a select group of voters. Not only would such a misuse of town resources violate state statutes and subject those involved to civil penalties, but it would also likely violate the Windsor Code of Ethics. Section 2-28 of the Code of Ethics prohibits the use of town property or resources for personal convenience or profit. Like all Board of Education employees, the Superintendent of Schools' position is funded by the town budget. Any use of his or other staff time, and any use by him or other staff members of town resources, in a manner that may influence the outcome of the budget vote could have a direct impact on their positions. For town employees to use their time and town resources to influence the vote on the town budget, which directly impacts their jobs, would be an improper use of town property. Aside from these clear legal violations, using the school systems' emergency notification system, which is intended to notify parents of matters such as school closings, school lock downs and other public safety matters, to improperly influence the vote on the town budget is a gross violation of the public trust placed in our school officials. Please be advised that any misuse of town resources to influence Tuesday's referendum, such as seems to be contemplated here, will result in complaints being filed with the proper authorities. I hope that common sense will prevail and such action will not be necessary. Ronald Eleveld A Windsor Resident ===================== E-Mail excerpt from the Superintendent. From: "Villar, Jeffrey" Date: 05/03/2013 2:59 PM (GMT-05:00) Subject: Week End May 3 2013 · The district will use our power announcement system to notify parents of the upcoming budget referendum on Thursday, May 9th, Sunday May 12th and Monday, May 13th.