Seattle councilmember Kshama Sawant acknowledges violation of ethics code

In a settlement agreement filed Friday by the Seattle Ethics and Election Commission, Councilor Kshama Sawant recognized several ethics violations related to the Tax Amazon initiative last February and agreed to pay $ 3,515.74 for to pay the settlement of the problem.

© KIRO
Member of Seattle City Council, Kshama Sawant.

Allegations against Sawant include creating posters in support of the proposal, which included the official Seattle seal, posting links on the Sawant City Council website to websites supporting the proposal, and issuing city funds in high amounts of at least $ 1,758.87 for the Tax Amazon campaign.

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The Seattle Code of Ethics prohibits councilors from using city facilities to promote electoral activity and use city resources for anything other than urban purposes.

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According to the settlement document, Sawant acknowledges that she has violated the code of ethics and agreed to pay a fine of $ 3,515.74, which is twice the amount of city funds used.

After receipt of payment, both parties agreed to resolve the matter.

If Sawant fails to make payment, the Ethics Committee may fine up to $ 5,000 per violation.

KIRO 7 has contacted Kshama Sawant’s office for comment.

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