An Open Letter to Representative Bob Lynn

As constituents of yours, we were extremely disappointed to see that you were a co-sponsor of HB 193 – a bill that would increase the amount of money lobbyists could spend on food and beverage for legislators, their employees, their spouses –WITHOUT DISCLOSURE TO THE ALASKA PUBLIC OFFICES COMMISSION.  This seemed to be in direct contradiction to your many public statements about ethics, reform and restoring the public trust.

When we received your “Telephone Handy Dandy” in the mail, which had obviously been paid for with state funds, because it listed all of your legislative information, we tried to imagine what legislative purpose this served.  AS 24.60.030 clearly states:  (a)A legislator or legislative employee may not (2) use public funds, facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset or resource for a non-legislative purpose. . .

This apparent abuse caused us to review other materials related to your campaign and legislative work.  The results are not good.

Your June 2010 “Legislative Newsletter”, again, sent at state expense to constituents -  states “I have filed for a new term as your State Representative.”  This statement is clearly for the sole and exclusive benefit of you- again, a direct violation of the law.  AS 24.60.030-(J) says “a legislator is prohibited from sending any communication in the form of a newsletter to the legislator’s constituents that includes material that is clearly only for the private benefit of a legislator or a legislative employee;

May we refer  you to page 10 of the Legislative Standards of Conduct Handbook entitled Campaigning:  Use of Government Assets?

“A legislator or legislative employee may not use government assets for political fundraising or campaigning.” 

“Those covered by the ethics code should use caution when the line between campaigning and performing legislative duties becomes less than clear.”

Good words to live by Representative Lynn.

Sincerely,

Concerned Constituents of District 31