Binda expected to sign Settlement Agreement at Monday’s meeting

LYNNWOOD, Wash., May 7, 2023—At its Business Meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 8, the Lynnwood City Councilman Joshua Binda is expected to accept an ethics complaint settlement and the council will discuss its remote attendance policy. For meeting details, click here.

Councilperson Decker, on behalf of the City Council, filed an Ethics Complaint on January 25, 2023, alleging that Councilperson Binda violated the City Ethics Code by using City property and email to conduct a personal business. As permitted under Lynnwood Municipal Code 2.94.080.B.2, the parties hereby agree to resolve the Ethics Complaint with this settlement:

1. From December, 2022 to January, 2023, Councilperson Binda used the City email system to send or receive numerous emails regarding speaking engagements with school districts. He was compensated for some of these engagements. The emails included those in which he solicited engagements, arranged for contacts and payment, and promoted his speaking tour. Councilperson Binda also entered City Council Chambers after hours to film a video promoting a speaking engagement. The use of City email and use of Council Chambers in this manner is use of City property for personal benefit or gain and constitute a violation of the City Ethics Code as codified in Lynnwood Municipal Code 2.94.030.B.
2. Councilperson Binda was not aware at the time that his activities violated the Ethics Code and he did not knowingly commit a violation. From here on, Councilperson Binda agrees not to use any City property, facilities or email in violation of the Ethics Code. This includes, but is not limited to, Councilperson Binda agreeing to not use City email or Council chambers to promote or conduct any personal business. Councilperson Binda will do all he can to avoid future Ethics Code violations and will diligently seek to learn, understand and follow the Ethics Code, as well as other City Council and elected official rules and regulations.
3. This Agreement fully resolves the issues raised by the Ethics Complaint filed by councilperson Decker and no further action will be taken by the Board Counsel, the Board of Ethics or the City Council with regard to the Complaint.

The settlement agreement reviewed by the council and Councilman Binda at Monday’s Work Session on May 1, was in response to an Ethics Investigation launched by the City of Lynnwood for alleged misuse of public facilities for personal gain by Councilman Binda. The council will vote to accept the agreed language. Councilman Josh Binda is expected to sign the approved settlement agreement at Monday’s meeting.