February 12th, 1997
Vancouver, WA—In an unprecedented move, the Attorney General of Washington state has filed suit against the
Washington Education Association (WEA), for misuse of teacher dues through illegal political contributions, "loans" and
expenditures in the last campaign season.
The suit takes on even more significance when it is noted that WEA is liable for triple damages in this matter. Conservative
talk radio host Mike Siegel, broadcasting from the capitol campus in Olympia, has estimated that WEA could ultimately be
liable for approximately $3.3 million dollars.
It should be noted that only after former candidate for Washington Governor Bob Williams of the Evergreen Freedom
Foundation, who originally filed a complaint with the Public Disclosure Commission, appeared on conservative talk radio
discussing this issue, did any significant action against the WEA take place.
Washington for Traditional Values (WTV) suggests that those who have in the past referred to conservative talk radio
programs as "hate radio," should more accurately refer to such programs as "freedom radio."
It is to be hoped that this lawsuit marks the end of the undue influence and power this enormous lobby has enjoyed regarding
public policy decisions in our state.
It is also to be hoped that more public school teachers, who until now have been too intimidated and fearful for their jobs, will
be willing to speak out about the improper use of their union dues.
WTV strongly suggests that, in the future, national, state and local education associations concentrate on legitimate union
issues, and cease involving themselves in leftist political causes and attempts at social engineering in our public schools.
Contact: Robert R. Larimer Jr.
(360) 695-4845
Email WTV: blarimer@e-z.net
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