Seattle Councilmember Sawant charged with violating city law in push to 'Tax Amazon'

King 5 ^ | 2/11/20 | Kipp Robertson

[Libloather]

SEATTLE — Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant is facing charges over allegedly violating city law after using her official website to promote a ballot initiative that's part of the "Tax Amazon" campaign.

Sawant broke two laws, according to charging documents filed by Wayne Barnett, Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission's executive director. That includes using city resources for a non-city purpose and using city resources to promote a ballot proposal.

Three specific examples from Sawant's city council website are used to support the charges:

- A link to a Facebook page promoting a January 25, 2020, "Tax Amazon Action Conference" in which Sawant is listed as a host.

- A link to a "Resolution to Tax Amazon and Big Business" that promotes signature collection. Sawant is listed as an original member of the Coordinating Committee.

- A link to a poster for a "Tax Amazon Action Conference" on Feb. 9. The poster includes the City of Seattle's seal.

The "Tax Amazon" movement was launched earlier this year. Supporters want to see millions rolling in from Amazon and other large corporations to pay for affordable housing initiatives and to combat homelessness.

[Libloather]

That's one nasty woman. Lock her up.

[DennisR]

Doesn’t say much for the intelligence or integrity of the voters in my home town...

[timestax]

bttt

[ronnie raygun]

A commie “C”

[dainbramaged]

This loony broad wanted Boeing employees to seize the aircraft production facilities by force, and begin building electric buses "for the people".
I believe she was recently re-elected.

[realcleanguy]

This is what happens when communists think they are above the law

[llevrok]

And crazier than sh’t !

[shanover]

I feel zero sympathy. The voters vote for what they want or just don’t give a sh*t. Companies like Amazon and Boeing staying there get what they deserve or just don’t care.

[gogeo]

Not the first time. Slap on the wrist.

[Svartalfiar]

That includes using city resources for a non-city purpose and using city resources to promote a ballot proposal.

I'm really confused. The ballot proposal is to change city code, yes? So would that not be an obvious 'city purpose'? Aren't these two charges opposite each other?

[CurlyDave]

...This loony broad wanted Boeing employees to seize the aircraft production facilities by force, and begin building electric buses "for the people"...

Would the busses have wings?

Who was going to design the busses? Or did she think that this was just something that everyone knows how to build?