2020-020 - Censuring Council Member Benny Plata for Engaging in Conduct Prejudicial to the Government of the City

Home Browse Search

RESOLUTION 2020-020 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, CENSURING COUNCIL MEMBER BENNY PLATA PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-302OF THE CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR CITY COUNCIL, EMPLOYEES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES, FOR ENGAGING IN CONDUCT PREJUDICIAL TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OR THAT REFLECTS DISCREDIT UPON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY WHEREAS, on or about Monday, May 25, 2020, George Floyd, an African American man,, died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which death has been subsequently ruled as a homicide; and WHEREAS, since that time, there have been protests nationwide, including a peaceful protest in Paris, Texas on Saturday, May 3 0, 2 0 2 0; and WHEREAS, Council Member Benny Plata, District 3, has posted a comment on social media in response to a post on the George Floyd situation and the ensuing protests to wit: "Why don'ty ou leave America if it's so bad"; and WHEREAS, the Mr. Plata's statement violates the Code of Ethics and Conduct for City Council,, Employees,, Boards, Commissions and Committees as contained in Chapter 2, Article IX of the City of Paris, Texas Code of Ordinances, to wit: Sec. 2-303, "Standards of Conduct," subsection (a)(10), which provides that no council member shall knowingly engage in any It conduct prejudicial to the government of the city or that reflects discredit upon the government of the city; and WHEREAS, Sect. 2-302 provides that a city council member who has violated the Code of Ethics shall be subject to admonishment or censure by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Council Member Plata's statement is inappropriate and divisive and in noway reflects the opinions or policies of the City Council or of the City of Paris, and that Council Member Plata should be censured for his conduct in making the social media comment, particularly at a time of social and political crisis in our country; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS: RESOLUTION OF CENSURE Section 1. That the findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are herebyl"n all things approved.