PDC Rules Against Matt Richardson’s Claims of Mayor Misusing City Time

The Public Disclosure Committee (PDC) closed the books earlier this month on Matt Richardson’s claims against Sumner Mayor Dave Enlsow, councilmember Steve Allsop and city attorney Brett Vinson for what he considered a violation of public forum. He filed the PDC complaint on Nov. 15, 2010.

“The City of Sumner is very pleased with the response in this letter,” said Carmen Palmer, spokesperson for the City of Sumner. “We strive to uphold the rules that protect all citizens whether elected or not, so it is great to hear that the actions at our meetings did not even warrant an investigation.”

Richardson claimed that during the Senate race of 2010, a man who supported campaign rival Pam Roach was allowed to say ‘false and defamatory’ statements against him during the public comment period at the Sumner City Council meetings on Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18 of 2010.

The PDC dismissed Richardson’s charges on Jan. 4, but mention in the official dismissal that PDC officials had a conversation with Diane Supler to ‘please remember’ that use of city facilities, including the public comment period of city council meetings, to assist in any candidate’s campaign is against city code. However, the law does not require that a public official who happens to be a candidate for office be ‘absolved’ of all criticism or negative comments during an election.

The PDC could not prove that the comments against Richardson were allowed due to the election, and Chris Clifford, the man who spoke against Richardson at the meetings, stated that his comments had nothing to do with the Senate election.