This afternoon, the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission voted to approve the negotiated settlement agreement with Councilmember Sawant over charges that she illegally used city resources for a non-city purpose and to support a ballot proposition last year.
Continue readingTag: ethics
Sawant recall petition now awaiting state Supreme Court ruling
Last week the final legal briefs were filed with the Washington State Supreme Court in Councilmember Sawant’s challenge to a recall petition. In late September four charges against her were certified by a King County Superior Court judge, and Sawant subsequently appealed that decision. Now it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide whether any of the charges can continue on to the signature-gathering phase.
Continue readingEthics Commission rules that Sawant’s use of city copiers doesn’t violate Ethics Code
Today Wayne Barnett, Executive Director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC), published a finding that Council member Kshama Sawant did not violate the city’s Ethics Code by directing her staff to use city-owned copying machines to generate materials for a rally she organized to promote the head tax.
Continue readingEthics commission finds new approach for conflict of interest rule change
Earlier this week, the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) held its monthly meeting (video). Top of the agenda: taking up once again the proposed change to the city’s conflict of interest rule for elected officials in light of the change to district-based Council positions.
Continue readingCouncil again considers whether to exempt itself from recusal for financial conflict
In June 2016 the City Council considered an update to the city’s conflict of interest rules that would allow Council members to continue to participate in a legislative act in which she or he has a conflict of interest if that conflict is publicly disclosed first. After a contentious debate, it was referred back to committee, where it has languished for almost two years. This week it will be revived and get another hearing in committee.
Continue readingEthics bill heads back to committee
This afternoon the City Council sent a controversial bill amending the ethics code for Council members back for more work in committee.
Continue readingThis week: busy busy busy
It’s going to be a very busy week for the Council. Especially Tuesday.
Continue readingNews roundup
A trickle of City Council-related news this Monday morning, dominated by op-eds.
Continue readingNews roundup: Pacific Place garage, tenant restrictions
Lots of bits and pieces for Wednesday morning.
Continue readingEthics bill postponed for two weeks
After a contentious discussion this morning, the Council decided this afternoon to postpone their final vote on the ordinance updating the ethics code as it applies to them.
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