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Know the rule
Can a developer buy a council member lunch?
Gifts to local officials are capped each year. Anything above the limit has to be reported — by name, date, and dollar amount.
#GiftLimits sanmateoethics.com
Where this comes from
California's Political Reform Act sets annual gift limits for local officials and requires public disclosure above the threshold.
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Plain English
What does "recuse" actually mean?
An official with a personal financial stake in a decision is supposed to step away — publicly state the conflict and not vote.
#Recusal sanmateoethics.com
Why it matters
Recusal keeps a private interest from quietly steering a public vote. The key word is "publicly" — it should be on the record.
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