Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan asked the city council to investigate one of its own for potentially using their position in violation of law or endangering others.
In a letter sent Tuesday to Council President M. Lorena Gonzalez, Durkan says the council can choose to ignore Sawant's actions, "but I think that undermines public confidence in our institutions."
According to Durkan's letter, Sawant may have delegated decisions regarding hiring and termination of city employees to an outside political organization. Documents that were uncovered, according to the letter, show the National Executive Committee and the Seattle Executive Committee of the Socialist Alternative party had authority over staffing for Sawant's office. At least one person was allegedly fired as a result, according to the letter.
Sawant may have also used her official office and equipment to promote and raise money for a ballot initiative and failed to comply with public disclosure of all funds raised and spent, according to the letter. Though this is being investigated by the Ethics and Elections Commission, Durkan requests the council investigate as well.
Additionally, Durkan alleges that Sawant used her official position to give hundreds of people access to City Hall when it was closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, putting "the safety of individuals and city workers at risk."
BREAKING: This morning, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan transmitted a letter to the City Council, urging members to take action against Councilwoman Sawant, up to and including expulsion. The letter listed several accusations against Sawant that the mayor thinks are grounds to do so:
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) June 30, 2020
As well as:
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) June 30, 2020
-Using her position to encourage protesters to occupy city property (the East Precinct).
Sawant has in recent weeks called for Mayor Durkan's resignation amid criticism of the police force. We will share the councilwoman's response when we get it.
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) June 30, 2020
NEW: Councilwoman Sawant says Mayor Durkan’s letter is a “corporate politician desperately looking to distract from her failures of leadership and politically bankrupt administration.” Pledges to fight with “even greater unity and determination.” #Q13FOX https://t.co/d8ioYqacb4 pic.twitter.com/JwCOsGHtwY
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) June 30, 2020
Replies
This is what happens when you permit radical Marxist Politicians to hold office... they have no ethics, referring her case to the ethics committee is a waste of time.