COMPLAINT 2008 - NO. 1

In Re Ahern

JURISDICTION DETERMINATION - ORDER OF DISMISSAL

I.         NATURE OF THE COMPLAINT

The complaint alleges that Representative John Ahern verbally abused a group of students who were visiting his legislative office. It is alleged the Representative repeatedly asked the group a question, directed at abortion, which was "berating" in nature and "lacking in human decency."

II.       JURISDICTION DETERMINATION

RCW 42.52.320 limits the jurisdiction of the Legislative Ethics Board to alleged violations of that chapter (RCW 42.52) and related rules, by legislators and employees of the legislative branch of government. The Ethics Act does not address a legislator's comments to visitors as expressed in the complaint and therefore the complaint fails to state an alleged violation of the Ethics Act.

III.      CONCLUSION AND ORDER

After fully considering this matter, the Board concludes that it lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of this complaint. The complaint is hereby dismissed.

Wayne Ehlers, Chair

Date: