Anti-Baggers Using City Resources to Campaign?

By Andrew at August 16th, 2009.

A tip sent to NWDIGEST.COM over the weekend containing public records (PDF) may reveal that Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin and a member of his staff have been using city resources to campaign for the Seattle Bag Tax.

The documents show that Conlin’s Legislative Assistant Rob Gala (who has served as official spokesman for the Bag Tax campaign) is coordinating media interviews through Conlin’s official City Council office.

Gala has a long political resume, previously working for the National Democratic Institute. Also included on one email sent to Conlin’s official City email was political consultant and liberal operative Christian Sinderman. The local chair of the Sierra Club chapter, Brady Montz, was also included in the exchange.

Conlin has been the chief proponent of the 20-cent bag tax. The tax, also known as the Seattle Green Bag Fee, is appearing on the August 18 primary ballot as “Referendum 1″ after an industry group turned in enough signatures to send the measure to the voters.

While it may not be unusual or unethical for a city employee to volunteer or otherwise work on a political campaign, the City Ethics Code establishes a bright line when it comes to use of city resources for political purposes.

Moreover, the code strictly prohibits employees from engaging in campaign work on city time or using city computers. Elected officials are similarly prohibited from using their office to participate in campaign activities.

UPDATE: Seattle Ethics & Election Commission Executive Director Wayne Barnett responded to our request for comment:

From: Barnett, Wayne
To: NWDIGEST.COM

Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 4:12 PM

There is a bright line that bars City employees from conducting campaign work using City resources. The issues facing Mr. Gala are no different than the issues facing the four incumbent seeking reelection this year. In the wake of the 2005 case where the Mayor was required to reimburse the City for the cost of mailing his “Three Years of Accomplishments” document in the months leading up to the election, and the 2008 fine for CM Godden, I believe that City employees are keenly aware of the rules, and that they’re respecting them. These are the kinds of headlines that officials and staff work very hard to avoid.

I discussed these issues with mayoral and legislative staff (including Mr. Gala) earlier this year, so I know he is keenly aware of the restrictions. If we received a complaint that gave us reason to believe that Mr. Gala had violated the Elections Code, we would investigate.

Best,
Wayne

In an initial email, Mr. Barnett gave a lengthier explanation of why he did not believe Councilman Conlin was in violation of ethics rules. That email concluded with:

In short, I don’t believe that the four e-mails you’ve forwarded along demonstrate any violation of the law barring the use of City resources to assist a ballot issue campaign.

Shorter version: unless a complaint is filed, there won’t be an investigation.

Poll: Bag Tax is Dead, Anti-Baggers Undeterred

Tags: Christian Sinderman, Richard Conlin, Rob Gala, Seattle Bag Fee, Seattle Bag Tax, Seattle City Council, Seattle Green Bag Campaign, Stop the Seattle Bag Tax