Fair Campaign Practices Ordinance Development Records

Series

Identifier: 2201-01

Staff Only

Scope and Contents Note

Records relating to the development of laws around fair campaign practices, including public financing of elections, disclosure of campaign contributions and limits on such, and administration of elections. Records include meeting minutes, correspondence, analysis, draft legislation, written testimony, and background and reference materials.

Dates

Creation: 1971-1981

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Board of Ethics (Organization)
Seattle (Wash.). Ethics And Elections Commission (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Board of Ethics was established in 1971 to promote ethical behavior by City officials and employees, to provide advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest, and to conduct hearings regarding violations of the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics sets standards of conduct for City officials and employees in carrying out City business. The members of the Board of Ethics also served as the Fair Campaign Practices Commission, which heard cases of campaign violations, although the two entities maintained separate offices and staff. In 1991 the two entities were consolidated into the independent Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. The Commission enforces campaign practices legislation, including financial disclosure requirements, and develops and enforces ethical standards for city officials and employees.