Citizens for Des Moines v. Petersen

Outcome: Court of Appeals ruled in client's favor

Description: Plaintiffs sued client mere days after his election to the Des Moines City Council alleging a violation of the Washington State conflict of interest statute. Court of Appeals accepted discretionary review of interim trial court decision which favored the plaintiff. On full review of the case, the Court of Appeals overturned the trial decsion and issued a final decision under summary judgment standards in favor of client. Client retained his seat on the Dees Moines City Council and was able to contiue his family's 50 year history of business in Des Moines. This case established new principles of law applicable to local government elected officials defining when ongoing buisness dealings constitute a conflict of interest under Washington law. The Washington Supreme Court denied cert. in the case, thus affirming the Court of Appeals decision.