Type Advisory Opinion 
Date 9/1/1998 
Number 98-06 
Topic Legislator as executive director - Conflict of Interest 
Respondent  
Issue/Question
This request was accompanied by a lengthy presentation of facts.  The issue was whether under these facts a legislator would have a conflict of interest if he were to serve as exec. director of an organization which included lobbyists and which was formed to educate the public on a topic often before the Legislature.
Summary

The Board elected to "pierce the corporate veil," allowing for a full examination of the extent of the potential created for violation of the ethics law.  After acknowledging there is a presumption in a citizen-legislature  in favor of outside employment, the Board concluded that under these facts the employment would constitute a "per se" violation.  RCW 42.52.020 and 42.52.330.
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