Complaint Opinion 97-01

​The respondent was a member of a neighborhood pool association.  At the request of another member, concerning membership issues, the respondent had his legislative assistant type a letter on senate letterhead in his legislative office and the respondent hand-delivered the letter.

​The action constituted a private benefit because the topic of the letter is a personal concern of the respondent's with no apparent legislative purpose.  This is not a situation involving a state agency or possible legislation.  When the member has a strong personal interest the "ombudsmen" role is only appropriate if some governmental action or legislation is involved.  RCW 42.52.160.  Violation found.