Complaint Opinion 19-10

Date

02/28/2020

Number

2019 – No. 10

Topic

Use of public resources to assist a campaign; Use of public resources for personal gain; Compensation for outside activities; Gifts – reasonable expectation.

Respondent

Mona Das

Question/Complaint

1. Was the respondent influenced by the money she received for her new business in violation of RCW 42.52.140 (reasonable expectation)? 2. Is it a violation of RCW 42.52.160 for a legislator to discuss the new business she has started at an event at which she appeared in her official capacity? 3. Is it a violation of RCW 42.52.180 for a legislator to encourage event attendees to vote a certain way or for particular candidates? 4. Did respondent meet the requirements of RCW 42.52.120 (compensation for outside activities)?

Summary

1. No. There are no facts that indicate Respondent was influenced by the money she received for her new business. 2. Yes. Announcing your new personal business venture at an official event appears to invite new clients which is a violation of the prohibition of using state resources for private gain. 3. Yes. The Board has been very clear that legislators cannot encourage people to vote a certain way. 4. Yes. Respondent met all the requirements of the statute.

Document

ETHICSCOM2019.10 (PDF 391.45 Kilobytes)