Featured Inquiry (10/12/09)

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Question:

May a councilmember promote his reelection campaign during a council meeting?

Answer:

Any comments made during a council meeting that promote the candidacy of a person for elective office is a potential violation of RCW 42.17.130. That statute prohibits the use of any public office or facility to promote the campaign of any person for elective office or to promote or oppose a ballot proposition.

It would, however, be permissible for the city to host a candidates' forum and afford all the candidates an equal opportunity to promote their campaigns.