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Due Process - Tips for Quasi -Judges <br />•A critical duty of the quasi -judge —that goes along with the power to decide —is to avoid "ex- <br />parte" contacts, meaning any "outside the hearing" discussion with an interested party about <br />the subject matter of the hearing. <br />•A proceeding loaded with "ex-parte" contacts is a path to having your decision challenged and, <br />as important, having the integrity of your process eroded. <br />•When we and your City Attorney advise against ex-parte contacts, we are protecting your <br />ability to participate, and your ultimate decision. <br />•So, don't engage in pre -hearing "buzz" —remember, you get to make the decision but with <br />that power goes the obligation to remain fair and unbiased. <br />Due Process - Tips for Quasi -Judges <br />• One way to look at ex parte communications: If it were your application and your property <br />interests at stake, would these activities seem fair: <br />• Meeting with the applicant or proponents or opponents outside the hearing to discuss <br />the pro/cons of the request and how you might decide the case. <br />• E-mailing your fellow decisionmakers before the hearing to persuade them why they <br />should vote yes or no. <br />• Attending meetings where folks for or against the application are discussing the <br />application, even if you're not participating. <br />• Conducting your own investigations into the project/site/applicant, etc. so that you <br />have "better" information upon which to make your decision. <br />