There are three basic tenets in the matter of business and personal political contributions and actions.
First, the Company unequivocally forbids the use of Company funds, resources or property for the support of political parties or political candidates for any office unless approved in advance by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s General Counsel or their designee.
Second, equally contrary to this Code is any pressure, direct or implied, that infringes upon the right of any employee, officer, manager or director to decide whether, to whom, and in what amount he or she will make a personal political contribution or render personal services to individual candidates or political committees where permitted by applicable laws. Employees, officers, managers and directors are free to endorse, advocate, contribute to, or otherwise support any political party, candidate, or cause they may choose. However, in personal public political statements, references to an employee’s, officer’s, manager’s or director’s affiliation with the Company should be avoided, and in any personal political activity it must be clear that the employee, officer, manager or director is not acting on behalf of or using the resources of the Company.
Third, the Company seeks the resolution of regulatory and political issues affecting its interests solely on the basis of the merits involved.