Drug Czar Oversteps Bounds
October 17th, 2008 by Perry
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform recently criticized Office of National Drug Policy and its director, John Walters, for his involvement in partisan activities.
His recent lobbying efforts against Proposition 1 in Michigan, which would legalize medical marijuana in the state, was cited by the committee as a perfect example of someone going way above and beyond their scope of responsibility and intervening in violation of the Hatch Act.
This act clearly states federal and D.C. employees may not:
use official authority or influence to interfere with an election
solicit or discourage political activity of anyone with business before their agency
solicit or receive political contributions (may be done in certain limited situations by federal labor or other employee organizations)
be candidates for public office in partisan elections
engage in political activity while: on duty, in a government office, wearing an official uniform, using a government vehicle
Walters’ participation in the election violates most of the above. We’re providing a link here to file a complaint about a Hatch Act violation, if you are so inclined.
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