Ethics Complaint Mike Siegel - Redacted — original pdf

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MEMORANDUM July 12, 2024 Deborah Thomas, Interim City Attorney Michael Lovins, Ethics Commission Chair Julie Oliver Mike Siegel Erika Brady, Deputy City Clerk TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The attached sworn complaint was received on July 12, 2024 in the Office of the City Clerk. It was filed by Julie Oliver against Mike Siegel. Per City Code, Chapter 2-7-41(D), this letter serves as the Office of the City Clerk’s acknowledgement that the complaint was received and as notice to all those named above, as required in the code. Attachment Sworn Complaint OCC RECEIVED AT JUL 12 '24AMil:16 ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION CHAPTER 2-7 CITY CODE t COMPLAINT I - NAME OF PERSON(S) FILINC~, COMPLAINT: 1 _· ·_J_ul_ie_O_l_iv_,..e,...-.r _ .. ;_· ____ _ ,.,.;,:·· MAILING ADDRESS: EMAIL ADDRESS: PLEASE FILE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT FORM FOR EACH PERSON COMPLAINED AGAINST. r··nMPJ .AlN' NA \fE OF PERSON COMPLAINEEf XGKINSI : Mike Siegel ------------~ Cll Y OFFICE DEPARTMENT ·COMMISSION: . Candidate for City Council, District 7 ' --- MAILING ADDRESS: 1905 Aggie Lane, Austin, TX ?~_7_57 _________ _ . "" J ' PHl.)NE NUMBER [IF KNOWN]:~..,__ _______________ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNO~J:---. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tht: Ethics Review Commission has jurisdiction to hear complaints alleging violation(s) of the ~allowing provisions: -,UMPf Al l'l.J!~r1-"-:\(~Kfi"J'3T;- (C.aJi~~~ F.inance) · - City Co~e, Chapter 2-1, ~~ ectioi;\, 2-1-t.4 (City Boards, Conflict of Interest and Recusal) - ~ity Code, Chapte; 2-2 1 City Code, Chapter 2-'i (ELhics and Financia1 D1--:r:.losure), except for Article 6 (Anti lobbying and Procurement) City Code, Chapter 4-8 (Regulation of Lobbyists: City Charter, Article III, Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures) - PLEASE LIST EACH ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE CITY CODE AND CH\RTER PROVISIONS SEPARATELY ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES . ... L·U I -T ( ( ' j 1.\ t I ' ,' r\'\_ • ·s ') I .; Offic.: of the City Clerk, 20.21 Fl Revised: April 12, 2017 I. SECTION OF CHARTER OR ORDINANCE VIOLATED: City Code, Chapter 2-2 DATE OF ALLEGED VIOU\ TION: Oct 2023 through J~_ne_2_0_24 ________ _ ACTIONS ALLEGED TO BE A VIOLATION: The Mike Siegel campaign routinely sends out emails using a CRM email service called Action Network. Siegel's campaign finance reports do not show any expense for this CRM. Additionally, he is the founder, Board President and Chair, and General Counsel for Ground Game Texas and Ground Game Fund, which are tax-exempt organizations under IRC Sec 501 (c). Both entities use Action Network for their email and fundraising programs. If Siege!.~~using either entities' Action Network accounts, he must report the in-kind amounts of the cost of the CRM; 1t would be a conflict of interest and potential tax exemption violation if either entity shared their accounts with Siegel for use. If Siegel has a separate account, he should share how much his monthly or quarterly expense is. CONTACT INFORMATION OF ~ ANY PERSON(S~, OTHER THAN THE PERSON C01v1PLAINED AGAINST, WHC) IS IDENTIFIED BY NAME ABOVE OR IN ANY INAPPROPRIATE AT;:'ACHMENTS AS CO ·'-JDUCT: (Leave blank if inapplicable.) IN THE ALLEGED INVOL\TED NAME: __ ____ __ _ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOWN]: _____ _ NAME:~---------------~--------~ MAILING ADDRESS: __ ___________ __ __ ____ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOWNi:_.:_" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NAME: ________________ ____ ____ _ MAILING ADDRESS: _______________ ____ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF I<NO~]~----=--=-=====--====---------- Office of the City Clerk, 20.21 F1 Revised: April 12, 2017 ' \ I ; ; ... • .... 1<1.. !'\.. • \ • - l II. SECTION OF CHARTER OR ORDINANCE VIOLA TED: City Code, Chapter 2-2 DATE OF ALLEGED VIOLATION: _31_2_81_20_24 _____________ _ ACTIONS ALLEGED TO BE A VIOLATION: Julie Oliver requested three campaign contribution refunds on 3/28/2024. Siegel's report only shows one refund. Two refunds are not disclosed on his campaign finance report. wt rNESSES OR E VIDENCE THAT WOULI{ B~ PRE~NTED: ____ _ _ See attached email. CONTACT INFORMATION or .ANY PERSON(S), OTHER THAN THE PERSON C0 \1PLAINED AGAINST, WHO IS IDENTIFIED BY NAME ABOVE OR IN ANY INAPPROPRIATE AT ~~CHMENTS AS CONDUCT: (Leave blank if inapplicable.) IN THE ALLEGED INVOLVED NA \!IE: ________________________ _ 1\,f ,\ lLING ADDRESS· lVl..L'""l 1" • .. , 'L't 1(-r' ,...:.: · · ·-..- ~\l'ft\rJI-D B~. F ">E·sr:-·NTr·- "l,-.:~,,; i ·.--\-·,.;,•i . ... 'r ~,,_,.__.~,.c, •·· .-11- •. ,. ---· .~ - -·- •~·.. -.. ....J \ 1 • t EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOWf·.J]:_-. ____ _ ·-- - - - - - - - - - - - - NAME: _________ ___ ___ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ MAILING ADDRESS: _____ . _______________ _ EM,\IL ADDRESS [IF KNOWN] . 1 NAME: ____ ______ __ __ ___ ___ __ ___ __ _ MAILING ADDRESS: __ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Offic! of the City Clerk, 20.21 F1 Revised: April 12, 2017 • i... i C -~, ·::·.. III. --==:-:-:-: .. : - - SECTION OF CHARTER OR ORDINANCE VIOJ .ATED: City Code, Chapter 2-2 DATE OF ALLEGED VIOLATION: _3_12_81_20_2_4 _____________ _ ACTIONS ALLEGED TO BE A VIOLATION: Julie Oliver requested three campaign contribution refunds on 3/28/2024. Siegel's report only shows one refund. Two refunds are not disclosed on_ his campaign finance report. WITNESSES OR EVIDENCE THAT WOULD BE PRH,SENTED: _ __ __ _ _ See attached email. CO\JTACT INFORMATION oi·: ANY PERSON(S), OTHER THAN THE PERSON CO :JPLAINED AGAINST, WHO IS IDENTIFIED BY NAME ABOVE OR IN ANY INAPPROPRIATE ATTACHMENTS AS CONDUCT: (Leave blank if inapplicable.) IN THE ALLEGED INVOl VED NA~v~=-:_: ____ __ -=.-_-_- _- _·_····- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MA TLING ADDRESS: _____________ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOWN]: __ ____ _____ __ __ _ NAME: ________________ ___ __ ___ ___ _ MAILING ADDRESS: __ _ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOWN]. _______________ _ NAME: _________ __ ___ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNOW~]: _ __ _ _ : ,.-· . _________ _ Offic,: of the City Clerk, 20.21 Fl Revised: April 12, 2017 [IF MORE ROOM IS NECESSARY, PLEASE CONTINUE ON A BLANK PAGE USINGTHESAMEFORMAT] .' - ALL THE STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION IN THIS COMPLAINT ARE TRUE AND FACTUAL TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. DATE: f · )J :J OJj STA TE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS NT'S SIGNATURE Ju,\i c 011 \/{)/ PRINT NAME This instrument was acknowledged, sworn to and subscribed before me by Cfttl\e__O{~ / .J .,..n On. the wittJess my hand and official seal. U day of _._0_l(._)_~-+-----' 2 0 2-~ , to certify which Jf ~ - - · - · - - - - _l?rCJ)ctl Peiv,es Not:1.ry Public in and for the State of Texas Typed or Printed Name of Notary ~''~~~~:J11,. :il....A:;-."<n;. Notary Public, State of Texas ~ ~""'-~··· (t ~ 1 \~t·!:5if} Comm. Expires 04-25-2026 BRACK DAVIES ,,,ifil,,,,,, Notary ID 1315434 72 .~ ·'I··· TH!S FORM MUST BE SUBMITfED TO THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERI<. Office of the City Clerk, 20.21 Fl Revised: April 12, 2017 • • • Mail - Why this campaign matters Gm ail .. ·. ·, ~---------.,----------- Why this campaign .matters 1 message -·------------·-----·---------· -.. ·-------··--·-·----··-- - - - Siegel for Austin <campaign@siegelforaustin.org> - iege l fo raus t in .o rg : ·~ . --------------· --- - - - - - · - - ' - - - - - · Mike~i,egel fol' Austin Dear., I'm running for Austin City Council because there is so much at stake. On major issues like housing, public safety, workforce development, and climate action, Austin is at a turning point. \-" v - ..... •:\~. Can we live up to our progrWs°sive va·lues - e f)ite · ol:mtless political, economic, 1!,.'l: .•. and environmental threats? Can we persevere and build the Austin we deserve? I believe we can. In fact, I know Vie can. The people in this community have shown, time and time again, that we can rise to the challenge and meet the needs of the moment. succeed. My background as a teacher, union organizer, and nonprofit leader has prepared me to help build the coalitions we need for progressive change in Austin. Please consider a contribution of $25 or more to help this campaign When Austinites come together and organize, great ~hings happen. In recent years, "" ; • • J " .,... .... , it' ~·, ~~H r :-.. • we've won city-wide campaigns on issues like affordable housing, police oversight, and mass transit - all with huge margins of public support. The people here are ready to take action when called to do so. The work ahead is to bring people together. Through this campaign, I'm reaching out to leaders and community member$ from every walk of life. Teachers, nurses, and https ://mail .google.com:mail/u/1/?ik=bce7a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1796677628103522674&simpl=msg-f:17966776281 0352267 4 1 /2 • • • Mail - Why this campaign matters electrical workers; neighborhood activists and nonprofit leaders; elected officials and policy experts. Laying the groundwork, I hope, for a strong first term in office that could make major progress on the most important is~ues we face. But first, we .need to win this campaign, and that's where you come in. Donate today to ensure this campaign has the resources to get out the vote in November. With hope and determination, Mike Siegel P.S. If you -haven't visited yet, please check out olifwebsite at siegelforaustin.org . """-~..........,,....i......-z Mail - Wh•. this camppi - ~.. .~ >( Mike Siegel is running for Austin City Council District 7. Learn more about the campaign on our website: www.siegelforaustin.org. Sent via ActionNetwork.org . To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Siegel For Austin, please click here. I/' I r I .. . ' https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=bce7a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1796677628103522674&simpl=msg-f:17966776281 0352267 4 2/2 Gmail - Thank you for joining the campaign! ----·------·--.. ·------------·----------·---· Gmail Thank you for joining the campaign! 1 message Siegel For Austin <campaign@siegelforaustin.org> Rep~oraustin.org To : - Mike Siegel for Austin -Thar.k you. for joining our campaign for Austin City Council. Together we can accomplish so much. Make sure to donate , follow us on social mediai, and share our campaign to your ... I· . ~,. :.,r friends and family. .¥;",: Siegel For Austin Mike Siegel is n inning for Austin City r:ouncil District 7. . Learn more about the cc;rnpaign on our website: www.siegelforaustin.org. Sent via Actiorc Network.org . To upaate your email address, ~hange you lVt,me iW ,a~~~essspr-to stop receiving emails from our action notification system , please click here. ·'lo. .. . , . · ~. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/3/?ik=3c29b1812a&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f: 1804382119206706500&simpl=msg-f: 1804382119206706500 1 /1 GmaH Juhe Oliver Mail - Refund of contributions ' . Julie Oliver ----·---------------------·-··----------·-----------·-·-------------------------- Refund of contributions 4 messages -·----------------·------------ ---·--~"";'-----------·--- Julie Oliver· · · · · · · · To: ActBlue Support <support@actblue.com> _11 • I'd like to request a refund of contributions for the three highlighted transactions below. Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 11:07 AM 4 Contributions $100.00 Mon•'lly M.ke s·egel $100.00 Mer.:t"Y M ike Sege 1 $50.00 ..!.. One-lime Harry Dunn $100.00 Mont:" y M .ke S·egel fr Newest to oldest Donate again f.m11il"il.'ce1pt Donate again Email reef!'',, Donate again Ernr.il receipt Donate again frnaii 1eet~ipt .!. Download a CSV If you are looking for a dcnatton tr at isn't ~s·ed 1: might not be attach~d t~ your ActBlue Express acco1Jn!, Please contact support ActBlue Support <support@actblue.com> Reply-To: ActBlue Support <support@actblue.com> To: Julie Oliver Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 11 :58 AM Your request (5388067) has been updated. To add additional comments, reply to this email. Sophie (ActBlue) Mar 28, 202 4 , 12 :58 PM EDT Hi Julie, Thanks for reaching out! I'm more than happy to assist with this - I'll just need a bit more information! Would you be abl_e to confirm the reason for your refund request? For example, was the reqirring status of this contribution unintended, did you enter the wrong amount at the time of your contribution, etc.? Once I hear back, I'll be more than happy to assist you further. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=bce7a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r1101789389750242701 &simpl=msg-a:r231784424076029... 1 /4 Thank you! Best, Sophie Julie Oliver Mar 28, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT 4 Contributions $100.00 -+ MMthiy ~/ 1 ke Siegel $100.00 ,,,Mi~ ')· M1ke s ,e e $50.00 ~ Ont-timt Harry Dunn $100.00 M onthl)• Mrke s.e9e1 Julie Oliver Mail - Refun·1 of contributions .• ·- tr1 ead-- f Newest to olaest - • '.,. Donate again Emaii rpc· pt Donate again Email receipt Donate again Email receipt Donate again Email r.:oc.:oipt I'd like to request a refu.nd of contributions for the three highlighted transactions below. .A. Downlo,~d a CSV t If you are look :ng for a donation tha! 1s1 t listed. 1t might not be at:ad.,ed to your ActBlue Express account Please contact support. [OEXPDP-GJX7'1] Julie Oliver To: ActBlue Support <slipport@actblue.com>· · Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 12:05 PM ActBlue Support <support@actblue.com> Reply-To: ActB~ actblue.com> To: Julie Oliver- Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 12:30 PM Your request (5388067) has been updated. To add additional comments, reply to this email. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=bce7a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r1101789389750242701 &simpl=msg-a:r231784424076029... 214 7/12/24, 9:08 AM Julie Oliver Mail - ::1.ef1.Jnd of contributions Sophie (ActBlue) Mar 28, 2024, l :30 PM EDT Hi Julie, Thanks for following up! The requested refunds have been issued, so you should see the funds post back to your account in 1-2 business Please let me know if there's anything else! can do to help! Best, Sophie Julie Oliver Mar 28, 202 4, 1 :05 PM EDT 1. Sophie (ActBlue) Mar 28, 202-l, 12:58 PM EDT Hi Julie, Thanks for reaching out! .. , Thank you! Best, Sophie I'm more than happy to assist with this - I'll just need a bit more information! Would you be able to confirm the reason for your refund request? For example, was the recurring status of this contribution unintended, did you enter the wrong amount at the time of your contribution, etc.? Once I hear back, I'll be more than happy to assist you further. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=bce7 a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a: r11 01789389750242701 &simpl=msg-a: r231784424076029... 3/4 · Jc:·YJ1at:· 1 ~' i I • 7/12/24, 9:08AM Julie Oliver Mail - ::efund of contributions Julie Oliver Mar 28, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT I'd like to request a refund of contributions for the three highlighted transactions below. ii' Newest to oldest Donate aga in Email receipt Donate again F.maii rec,~ipt Donate aga in t!~,;.! ri:>ceipt Do nate aga in F.mai! n~cdpt .t. Download a CSV · If you are looking for a dcnat1cn thai 1sn t listed 1t might not be attached to your ActBlue express account. Please contact s Jpport. 4 Contributions $100.00 " '' "thly Mike Siegel :.024· (.C ·.~9 ·· G ~ $100.00 f\lo1thy M ile Siegel $50.00 ~ One -time Harry Dunn $100.00 \l ,,1Wy l\'1ke Siegel '·1] https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=bce7a82c43&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r1101789389750242701 &simpl=msg-a:r231784424076029... 414