Category Archives: City Politics

City staff delays release of full investigation report of their boss

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By Miki Mullor
Editor

An investigation report of suspected malfeasance by Sammamish City Manager David Rudat has been kept from the public by his staff for over three months now.

Multiple public records requests (PRRs) submitted by media outlets and citizens have been delayed because of “legal review.” However, invoices from the law firm handling PRR reviews  show a review has not been started in two and a half months.

The Sammamish Comment also learned that City Council members were only given a temporary, staff-supervised limited access to a shortened version of the full report.

Only an 11 page executive summary,  prepared by the city staff’s request so as to not disclose confidential information, has been released to the public. 

And while the investigation of the City Manager is still pending, the outside attorney in charge of his investigation was hired by the City Manager to represent the City on another case–raising concerns for the appearance of a conflict of interest. 

Due to misinformation spread in the community and social media, The Comment is resuming limited coverage of city hall.  

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Local politics Facebook group vows to remain open and be censorship-free

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By Miki Mullor
Editor

A relative newcomer to the local social media scene, the Facebook group Sammamish Central, takes a different direction than other Facebook groups. 

Kerry Boswoth, the group’s administrator, says it intends to keep it “open,” as opposed to other groups which require permission to join in order to see the content. 

Originally named Sammamish Election Central, the group renamed itself to Sammamish Central after the November city council election.  Anyone with a Facebook account can view the content, post or comment without having to join the group. 

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City Council tables action on City Manager to January 4, for new council to handle

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By Scott Hamilton

Dec. 15, 2021: The Sammamish City Council last night tabled until Jan. 4 action on whether to suspend city manager Dave Rudat.

Last night was the last meeting of the year for the current council. The next council, seated Jan. 4, includes three new members elected Nov. 3. A fourth member elected then, Amy Lam, was sworn on Nov. 24, filling a seat once held by Jason Ritchie. Ritchie resigned in January after moving to California. Former council member and mayor Tom Odell was appointed to Richie’s seat until the November election and certification on Nov. 23.

Rudat, the subject of a lengthy investigation, gave his first public response to the investigation. His response also included the first specific details released publicly of the probe. Council members previously discussed the investigation in general terms in open sessions, but details remained sealed in executive session deliberations.

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Council extends deadline for Rudat to respond to proposed suspension

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Dec. 9, 2021: The Sammamish City Council Tuesday extended to Dec, 13 the deadline for city manager Dave Rudat to respond to a notice of a 30 day suspension, adopted by the council Nov. 16.

Rudat had been given until Nov. 30 to respond to charges he breached confidentiality of executive sessions and other improprieties.

Rudat attended the Nov. 16th meeting but did not ask for an extension at that time. He went on vacation beginning Nov. 22 for the rest of the month. Upon his return, he asked for an extension of the deadline to respond, citing a personal leave.

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Deadline today for Rudat’s response; incoming Council Member Lam appears to be swing vote on discipline

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By Scott Hamilton

Nov. 30, 2021: The fate of Sammamish City Manager David Rudat may rest with Amy Lam, the City Council’s newest member.

Lam was elected Nov. 2 to fill out the remaining term of Jason Ritchie, who resigned early this year. Tom Odell was appointed to fill the position until the election. Lam defeated planning commissioner Josh Amato. The election was certified Nov. 23, at which time Odell left the council.

Lam hasn’t been sworn in yet. If she isn’t by the city clerk before the Dec. 7 council meeting, the next one after the Thanksgiving holiday, she will be then.

And one of the first decision she faces is whether to vote to suspend Rudat for 30 days without pay for mishandling confidential information and for other transgressions.

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