Although the PDC found evidence of the improper use of public facilities to promote the measure, it tossed out the case because the violations occurred at a time when a court injunction on an unrelated case barred the commission from giving the library system advice on how to comply with state law, the Seattle Times reported April 1. The PDC voted 3–0 for dismissal after Chairman Michael Connelly said it would be unfair to penalize the library system for violating the law when the commission itself could not grant their request for advice.
Ptacek said he does not believe he broke any state laws but admitted, “We don’t know what we did. We have no further information about that, and we have no guidance.” State law bars agencies from using taxpayer funds to promote a candidate or a ballot proposition.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint from former state legislator and bond opponent Will Knedlick, who said the library misled voters about the cost of the proposed bonds. The September 14, 2004, bond issue for library construction and maintenance passed by 63% and will be used to build new branches and other capital projects.
Posted April 1, 2005.