I was listening to KJR FM 95.7 here in Seattle at 8:45 a.m. and I don't know if it true, but they were saying that our tax dollars are being used to fight I-695. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this against the law? I know that politicians can't openly oppose or support this or any issue, they can only answer personal opinion type questions about an issue. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

-- Sandy D (sandy_d1@yahoo.com), October 14, 1999

Answers

Well without any specific examples, it's kind of hard to say yes or no to the charges that tax dollars are being used.

As far as politicians, the only restriction they have is that they can't use state time and resources to campaign. They can certainly volunteer their personal time and resources on a campaign, and there is no law prohibiting them from openly opposing or supporting an issue. Where the prohibition on using state time and resources is concerned, they can express their views on state time IF they are asked, but they can't do any unsolicited view sharing.

-- Patrick (patrick1142@yahoo.com), October 14, 1999.

I have noticed more than a few Metro Bus Drivers wearing No! I-695 pins and one who was actively trying to convince a rider who was discussing it with him to vote against it. This is against Federal Law. The Hatch Act of 1939 prohibits local, state or federal employees from engaging in political activities while they are a)wearing a government issued uniform b)currently on being paid for work by the government and c)while they are operating a government issued vehicle. Some claim the Hatch Act is an infringement of 1st ammendment rights, however the Supreme Court has upheld it twice.

-- Aaron (aschwitt@juno.com), October 14, 1999.

why don't you call the bus driver on it. if that dosen't work, report it to the attorney general, or someone who handles campaign violations. this forum will do nothing for you except let you vent some steam.

-- tom nichols (nichols@hotmail.com), October 15, 1999.

I believe the Hatch Act is limited to federal employees. In this state the state law on this is enforced by the Public Disclosure Commission. Public employees are permitted by state law to wear a button while working, and have bumper stickers and small signs in personal vehicle on government property. If they are engaged in conversation, some response is necessary but they should not initiate it or extend it.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), October 15, 1999.

I urge you to read the Hatch Act itself, dbvz, it is quite emphatic on stating "federal state or local" employees of government. Commentary on the Act states that local governments repeatedly in violation of the law can be subject to loss of federal funds.

-- Aaron (aschwitt@juno.com), October 17, 1999.