Letter of Censure to Voices of Austin — original pdf

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TO: FROM: DATE: City of Austin Ethics Review Commission LETTER OF CENSURE Voices of Austin City of Austin Ethics Review Commission March 24, 2021 RE: Determination of Sanctions under City Code, Sections 2-7-48 and 2-7-49 In accordance with Chapter 2-7 of the Austin City Code, this letter is to advise you that the City of Austin Ethics Review Commission (the “Commission”) has completed its consideration of the complaint filed with the Commission against Peck Young, Voices of Austin on October 7, 2020. The Complaint alleged that Voices of Austin “sent an email with a PDF of their ‘latest mailer’ to Austin voters”, and that the communication failed to include a disclosure statement with the names of the five largest contributors as required by City Code Section 2-2-33. At a final hearing held on March 10, 2021, the Commission determined that Voices of Austin violated City Code Section 2-2-33 (Disclosure Statement Required) of Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance). A letter of censure is the appropriate sanction where the Commission finds a serious or repeated violation of City Code Chapter 2-7, which incorporates violations of City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance). The Commission heard evidence and made determinations at a final hearing on the allegations. The Commission’s actions were recorded by video recording and are available at: https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/114281. Based on the Commission’s findings and determinations, the Commission issues this letter of censure to Voices of Austin. This action is effective as of the 10th day of March, 2021. CITY OF AUSTIN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION Luis Soberon Chair, Ethics Review Commission CC: City Manager Members of the City Council Mayor of the City of Austin City Clerk (all by email)