Story Created:
Jan 23, 2009 at 1:01 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Jan 23, 2009 at 1:02 PM AKDT
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Anchorage Republican Kevin Meyer probably violated state ethics law when he used state resources to prepare and mail his legislative newsletter to non-constituents.
But the legislative ethics panel reviewing the complaint said it
did not warrant punishment.
The panel agreed that Meyer erred when he sent the newsletter
not only to constituents of his house district but to residents of
the neighboring district as well. Meyer was a candidate for a
Senate seat representing both districts, a position he later won.
The panel said the mailing to the neighboring district did not
serve a legislative purpose.
Meanwhile, a separate complaint against Rep. Les Gara was
dismissed. The panel found no clear violation when the Anchorage
Democrat solicited funds for a subgroup of the Democratic party
while the Legislature was in office. It also noted that Gara acted
under advice from the ethics office. Ethics laws regarding
contributions have since been tightened.
