Complaint objects to Nickels' use of funds, staff

An ethics complaint filed Thursday alleges that Mayor Greg Nickels violated city rules by using city staff members and equipment to produce a humorous video that advocates replacing the Alaska Way Viaduct with a tunnel.

The complaint with the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission by affordable-housing activist John Fox says because a citywide vote on replacing the viaduct is expected this fall, city officials are not allowed to use public resources for campaigning.

A Nickels spokesman said the mayor did nothing wrong.

The city's video resources are "routinely used to support policy communications from the mayor, City Council and city departments, and this video was part of a major policy speech by the mayor," spokesman Marty McOmber said.

The commission does not comment on complaints until they are dismissed or lead to a proposed penalty.

Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com