The San Diego Union-Tribune published an article on August 1, 2018 titled, “National City Rotary Club Accuses Council Member of Mismanagement.”
The article raised significant concerns about past fiscal management of the club, which has been a staple of the National City community for nearly seven decades.
In addition to the financial concerns raised, we are concerned to read that Rotary club resources may have been used in furtherance of a political campaign. As a non-partisan volunteer organization with global reach, Rotary International does not endorse specific candidates, ballot measures, or other issues up for election. Rotary rules specifically state:
"The merits of any public question involving the general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of concern to the members of a club and shall be proper subjects of fair and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment of its members in forming their individual opinions. However, clubs shall not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure.
"Clubs shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any club meeting the merits or demerits of any such candidate."
An article related to this from the Rotarian is located at this site:
In closing, the Rotarians of District 5340 stand ready to support the Rotary Club of National City, and will withhold further comment while we investigate the issues raised.