Hospital Hires Councilman Peter Steinbrueck as Consultant

We observe the hiring of former Councilman Steinbrueck with strong reservations. Barely more than a month ago, he served as the Chair of the City Council Urban Planning Committee. The Council and the Urban Planning Committee hold a variety of trump cards in the Hospital issue, so Steinbrueck’s recent role and power on the Council raise a bushel of conflict-of-influence questions (details below).

At the same time we ponder ethics, we sincerely hope that Councilman Steinbrueck continues his support for moderately priced housing while working in his new role as advocate for the Hospital. [We particularly look forward to hearing how Mr. Steinbrueck weighs in on a disturbing new piece of legislation pushed by the Hospital. House Bill 3071 will allow the Hospital to take control of 136 moderately-priced Laurelon condominiums after purchasing only 80% of them. More on this tomorrow.]

Back to the announcement from the Seattle PI, 2/7/2008

"Former City Councilman Peter Steinbrueck will work as a consultant with Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center and community members on the hospital's 20-year growth plan, Steinbrueck and Children's said Wednesday."

Huh? Within two months of leaving the Council, the former head of Council and Chair of Land Use Committee is hired by an institution to help advance that institution's agenda around a land use issue that will soon go before the Council.

Aren't there ethical concerns here? Mr. Steinbrueck's letter to the City's Ethics Committee says there is no conflict in his taking on this consulting role. But take a look at Section 4.16.075 of the City’s Code of Ethics.

Prohibited conduct after leaving City.
B. No former officer or employee shall, during the period of one (1) year after leaving City Office or employment:
1. Assist any person in proceedings involving the agency of the City with which he/she was previously employed, or on a matter in which he or she was officially involved, participated or acted in the course of duty;
2. Represent any person as an advocate in any matter in which the former officer or employee was officially involved while a City officer or employee;

Remember that the City Council (and the Land Use Committee chaired by Steinbrueck) voted to approve the membership list for the Citizen's Advisory Committee, over objections from the surrounding community. Steinbrueck's opinions were key to this ruling (see this letter from the LCC). How can this record of involvement be OK given ethics rule B2 above?