State Auditor Finds Sound Transit Unlawfully Spent Public Taxes
KIRO television investigation based on WPC’s research and analysis

Seattle – The State Auditor’s Office released an audit this week showing Sound Transit unlawfully contributed taxpayer money to special interest groups.  This audit was based on WPC research that showed the agency was violating the “gifting of public funds” defined in the Washington State Constitution.  Last night KIRO television aired an investigative report following their initial story last summer.  KIRO investigative reporter Chris Halsne interviewed Michael Ennis, transportation director at Washington Policy Center, for both stories.

The State Auditor’s Office “determined, based on documentation provided by the Transit Authority, the contributions to fundraisers were made to assist these organizations in raising money to support their programs. The Transit Authority could not demonstrate these expenditures were for allowable uses of public funds or that they provided advertising related specifically to the Transit Authority’s services.”

“I’m thankful for the auditor’s work on this issue,” remarked Michael Ennis. “By ensuring public taxes are properly spent, this is yet another example in a long list that shows the value of our state’s audit system.”

Resources:
Last night’s KIRO story
State Auditor’s Report on Sound Transit
State Auditor’s letter to Washington Policy Center
July 2008 WPC study: “Sound Transit Gives Public Money to Special Interest Groups”
July 2008 KIRO story