Mayoral candidate scrutinized for using Syracuse-owned equipment for campaign event

Yahoo

5 days ago

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It's not a typical campaign issue, but there's scrutiny over the podium and sound system used at a Syracuse mayoral candidate's campaign event on Friday afternoon.
It appears City of Syracuse government resources, specifically equipment and staff, were used by Councilor Pat Hogan in his capacity as a candidate for mayor.
Greg Loh, the city's chief policy officer and spokesperson for Mayor Ben Walsh, confirmed the use of a podium and sound system to NewsChannel 9.
Loh claims a representative of the Hogan campaign told a city hall security officer that a podium and sound system was needed for use outside the building's front entrance.
'Based on that request, the CSO (officer) called maintenance staff and had them set up the equipment and podium up,' Loh said.
At the federal level, a similar infraction would seem to violate the Hatch Act. 'The Hatch Act is a federal law that limits the political activity of federal employees while at work, wearing a government uniform, using government equipment, or in a government vehicle,' said the American Federation of Government Employees.
It's not clear if the use of government equipment, in this case, is a violation of local election law.
'It's a commonsense expectation that city resources should be only used for city business,' said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York. The group describes itself as a good-government watchdog designed to protect democracy and the ethical and efficient functioning of government.
'It's a reasonable exaptation on the part of the voter and Syracuse taxpayer that equipment provided to elected officials will not be used for campaign purposes,' Lerner added.
City Auditor Alexander Marion said that elected officials have high ethical standards and he would like to remind them to follow these rules.
'City officials must hold themselves to a high ethical standard, and I would remind all elected officials of their obligations to follow ethics rules,' said Marion. 'I would also use this moment to call for updating the city's 30+ year old ethics code and improve training for city officials.'
Jordan Lally, speaking on behalf of Pat Hogan's campaign, said, 'During preparations for the event, City employees generously offered the temporary use of certain equipment, which our campaign staff accepted. We extend our sincere thanks to these dedicated public servants for their professionalism and support during the setup process.'
'An elected official should know not to make such a request for a campaign purpose or to accept such an offer if made,' said Loh.
Loh, speaking to NewsChannel 9 in his official role with the current mayoral administration, is also an active supporter of Hogan's mayoral primary opponent, Sharon Owens, the city's deputy mayor.
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