Complaint Opinion 03-01
Date
03/21/2003
Number
03-01
Topic
Personal use of public resources
Respondent
Rep. Richard Deboldt
Question/Complaint
The complaint alleged the Respondent used state resources to prepare and mail a personal letter in violation of RCW 42.52.160. The letter was sent to school district officials complaining of coach's behavior toward respondent's child and her teammates.
Summary
Board concluded that in its totality the letter was personal but that the action complained of was minor and no further proceedings were warranted. When a member has a strong personal interest and benefit, the Board will carefully examine a legislator's "ombudsman" role. Advisory Opinions 1995-No. 17 and 1997-No.1. Two members of the Board dissented as they would have found there was no reasonable cause to believe the letter violated the Act.