Ethics chief prompts Seattle mayor to revamp Web page

On Monday, the Web site for Mayor Greg Nickels had a picture of downtown Seattle and its waterfront with the headline: "The Right Choice for Seattle and the Region. The Alaskan Way Tunnel."

Today the picture refers to the city's efforts to fight global warming.

The tunnel language came down Monday night after Wayne Barnett, the city's elections and ethics director said it was inappropriate.

He said, "the mayor's Web site still promotes the tunnel option and now that it's on the ballot, the Web site can't do that," said Barnett. "It has to remove materials that promote the tunnel alternative."

Marianne Bichsel, spokeswoman for Nickels, said the tunnel language was taken down after Barnett complained. She said it will be replaced with information comparing both issues on the ballot, a new elevated highway and a modified tunnel plan.

An advisory measure on how to replace the viaduct will appear on the March 13 ballot, and election code says city resources can't be used to promote or oppose a ballot measure.

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