OPEN LETTER (also sent to City Council members)
Dear Editor,
I have received the flyer sent by the City of Olympia (and the City of Tumwater) regarding the Regional Fire Authority ballot measure Proposition No 1.
On the very top of page 1, of a 4-page front and back flyer, in relatively small print, are the words “For Information Only ... Not intended to support or oppose the ballot proposition.”
I am troubled and saddened by the flyer as it is clearly intended to promote the ballot measure, despite its statement that it is “for information purposes only.” My deep concerns are based on three issues:
The flyer, adorned with photos of (only) firefighters is designed clearly to elicit support. The text on the flyer isn’t informational as much as it is promotional. The four main text boxes are entitled “Stabilize funding…”, Meet the needs…”, "Maintain a healthy workforce”, and "Increase service efficiencies”, and are conspicuously similar to statements made by the proponents from the beginning. While opponents of the Proposition do argue those points, they also point out that these cherry picked points are, at best, deceptively minimalist and specifically do not address those points which are considered possible reasons to vote against the Proposition.
That is not informational to voters. That is merely repeating that which the proponents pay for to influence voters to support their measure. Again, them doing so is fine and an acceptable part of the process. Using public money to do so by the City is neither.
I was a member of the Public Disclosure Commission when a complaint against the City of Olympia (#60520) was heard and a violation was found by the City, of RCW 42.17A.555, and a fine paid by (then retired) City Manager Steve Hall.
There were concerns raised that a retired employee paying, out of his pocket, for a fine incurred when he was an employee, would be both unfair to him, and, importantly, not serve to have the offending entity pay the fine and therefore realize a “cost” to illegal behavior.
It appears that here, by the City apparently thinking the only offending/violating language in the flyer in that case was the “Vote For” language. The statute, however, does not specifically rely on that language when it holds that a public entity misuses public facilities when it “ directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign... for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition.”
I most certainly would not be surprised if another complaint against the City is forthcoming.
Lastly, but most certainly not least, is the damage done to the City’s reputation and standing as a neutral arbiter and source of credible, and complete, information on local ballot measures. By sending this obviously promotional flyer, the City has said to its residents that, if the public is considering a ballot measure where the City (at least a majority of current council Members) supports it, do not rely on mailings/statements from it when determining how to vote, or to become truly informed.
~ Russ Lehman, Olympia
The opinions above are, of course, those of the writer and not of The JOLT. Got something you want to get off your chest? Post your comment below, or write it up and send it to us. We'll likely run it the same day we get it.
Editor's Note: To see the March 29, 2023, debate between proponents and opponents of Proposition 1, please click here.
9 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Larry Dzieza
Tremendous analysis of what the City of Olympia and I assume Tumwater also sent to their residents.
"Troubled and Saddened". I would add disappointed and a few more descriptors.
Mr. Lehman, who has standing to file a complaint and where do they file it?
Thursday, April 6, 2023 Report this
TomInOly
I completely agree with your analysis. I find the use of public money for a piece clearly arguing in favor of the measure to be manipulative and myopic. It’s really very disappointing.
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
sunshine39
No surprise on the City's actions. In the Missing Middle protest, the City acted in bad faith, did not follow the law, and persisted in the lawsuit despite the Commission having ruled against it.
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
TeeGee
Well, this has definitely solved my indecision on the measure.
I'm voting NO.
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
OlyBoatGuy
Well! That answers my question! After reading the "For information only" pamphlet, I was thinking that it did seem biased towards passing Prop 1.
Definitely voting no.
Shame on you Olympia and most likely Tumwater!
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
KBWarrior
I love the ever-changing arguments from the opponents of the Regional Fire Authority. From my perspective, this informational mailer only included what was adopted in the plan set forth by the RFA planning committee. Nothing more, nothing less. Has anyone asked our Firefighters if they currently would describe themselves as a "healthy workforce"? These opinion hit pieces are laughable at best.
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
RileyJ
Thank you very much for this analysis and pointing out the how far the city is willing to push their agenda. As you pointed out, this is egregious. I will definitely vote no on this issue. My trust in city government is gone.
Friday, April 7, 2023 Report this
JasonS
Thank you for drawing attention to this biased flyer, Mr. Lehman. I was troubled by this ad when I received it, as it was clearly not the objective informational flyer it claimed to be. I believe those responsible for it will be surprised at the backlash they receive considering that this measure has been repeatedly criticized on various social media platforms for a couple of months now, and sadly it has damaged the credibility and goodwill toward the fire department itself. I urge everyone to VOTE NO on this measure because IT ONLY PADS MANAGEMENT SALARIES and it does NOT increase the number of fire trucks, firefighters, nor any other emergency equipment or services.
Saturday, April 8, 2023 Report this
HappyOlympian
That flier indeed over the line, thoroughly disappointed in my local officials for creating that propaganda piece and pitching it as neutral information for voters.
Thursday, April 27, 2023 Report this