Complaint Opinion 16-03
Date
05/06/2016
Number
2016 - No. 3
Topic
Remarks at public hearing
Respondent
Liz Pike
Question/Complaint
The Complaint takes issue with Respondent's remarks delivered at a public meeting of the Fish and Wildlife Commission which evidenced her support for the sports fishing industry on the Columbia River. The Complainant viewed those remarks as contrary to existing state law and apparently an attempt to confer a special privilege on the sports fishing industry in violation of RCW 42.52.070, which prohibits the use of legislative office to secure a special privilege for self or others. A bill on the subject was pending before the Legislature.
Summary
The Board concluded that Respondent acted within the scope of her legislative authority when she gave testimony on a pending legislative issue. The Complaint was dismissed for lack of reasonable cause to believe there was a violation of the Ethics Act.