Ethics Complaint Against Vancouver Councilor Kim Harless Sent to Hearings Examiner – KXL

VANCOUVER, Wash. — An ethics complaint filed against Vancouver City Councilor Kim Harless will move forward to an independent hearings examiner for investigation.

The city council voted 5-0 Monday to refer the complaint, which accuses Harless of failing to disclose a relationship with John Park, the director of a nonprofit that received city lodging-tax grants for Vancouver’s annual Pokémon GoFest event. Councilor Sarah Fox was absent from the vote, and Harless recused herself.

Harless said she consulted with city attorneys before the votes and was advised there was no conflict of interest because she was not engaged to or living with Park at the time. She called the complaint “incredibly invasive” and said it has taken a personal toll.

The council also voted to remove Harless as chair of the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee until the investigation concludes. The hearings examiner is expected to issue findings within 60 days.