Dallas City Councilman Philip Kingston worked in a a century old ice factory in his youth (hence this photo), but the Ethics Commission may put him on ice again. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)
Philip Kingston may be in trouble after a neighbor filed an ethics complaint with the city, Dallas Morning News (DMN) reports.
The complaint alleges that Kingston used city facilities for campaign purposes when he shot a fundraising video in his downtown office when City Hall is supposed to be free from campaigning. The complaint was filed by retired lawyer Barry Jacobs, who donated $200 to Kingston’s challenger Matt Wood in the last council race.
“There is no question about this. This ad was clearly for Mr. Kingston’s benefit,” Jacobs told DMN. “It wasn’t for his constituents’ benefit. It wasn’t for my benefit. It wasn’t for the city of Dallas’ benefit. It was for his benefit. He used his office as a television set.”
Commission chair John Rogers agreed that the video violated the ethics rules, which Kingston voted to adopt this year. While Kingston did not comment, his lawyer said the language of the rule was unclear.
The policy states “city council member shall not use, request, or permit the use of city facilities, personnel, equipment, or supplies for any campaign expenditure, campaign contribution, political advertising or campaign communication.”
The hearing in Kingston’s case will be at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 29. If found guilty, his punishment could range from a simple reprimand to a removal from office.
