Gov. Jay Inslee should be using his own resources in national campaign

Recently I learned that the Washington State Patrol has added additional officers, and resources to Gov. Inslee’s protection detail because of his presidential campaign. This begs the question of why we the citizens of Washington should subsidize the cost of our governor running for another office.

The people of Washington elected him to serve as our governor and to conduct the business of our state. Even if no state resources are being used for his campaign, he cannot devote his entire attention to the needs of our state, as we are paying him to do, if he is traveling around the country campaigning for another office.

If Gov. Inslee wishes to run for the office of president, that is his choice. He should however do so on his own nickel (or the money raised by his campaign). He should not use state resources, like WSP assets or his salary as governor. He should step down and allow the lieutenant governor to run our state’s administration.

When I was a state employee, I had to take a class on state ethics. The main point was that it was unethical (and hence illegal under state law) to use any state-owned material or service for personal use or gain. I’m sure that what was ethical (and legal) for me as a state employee applies to all state employees, including elected officials.

Oh, wait a minute, the rule of law doesn’t apply to Gov. Inslee. He is a liberal…my bad.

William C.

Schumacher

Spokane