Type Complaint Opinion 
Date 8/14/1997 
Number 97-01 
Topic Personal use - public resources 
Respondent Sen. Ken Jacobsen 
Question/Complaint
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.
Summary
The action constituted a private benefit because the topic of the letter is a personal concern of the respondents 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.
Document View this publication in Acrobat (PDF) Format