TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 25-006 Censuring Director Sarah Syed for Violating District Policy
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ?
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of Resolution No. 25-006 censuring Sarah Syed for violation of Board Policies 101 and 702.
Staff Contact:
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
None.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
None, unless the Board directs changes to the resolution, e.g., to deny Director Syed use of her travel account or some other action within the Board's lawful discretion.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Censure
Censure is defined as the "formal resolution of a legislative, administrative, or other body reprimanding a person, normally one of its own members, for a specified conduct" and "an official reprimand or condemnation" (Black's Law Dictionary). Censure serves as a way for a body to hold its members accountable for their actions, ensuring they act ethically. District employees are held accountable for following rules, policies, and regulations, through performance management by managers, supervisors, and executives. Board Officers are accountable to the Board for their performance and behavior. Censure is a mechanism for Board members to hold each other accountable while upholding the integrity of the Board and the agency. Censure also serves as a deterrent to curb future behavior that violates policy. A violation of Board policy is sufficient for the Board to consider and approve censure.
Violations of Board Policy 101 - Board of Directors Rules for Procedure and Board Policy 702 - Conflicts of Interest and Standards of Ethical Conduct
On or about March 14, 2024, then General Manager/CEO Michael Hursh complained that Director Syed engaged in bullying and disrespectful behavior toward him, and that Director Syed improperly interfered with his ability to c...
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