With less than 2-weeks before the general Election, Manitowoc District 10 Alderperson Rhienna Gabriel may be dealing with an election ethics complaint.
Manitowoc City Attorney Kathleen McDaniel has confirmed that multiple citizens have contacted her office asking about the legality of campaign material.
The point of contention is the use of a City of Manitowoc email address in campaign literature distributed to constituents. Rhienna Gabriel used her official city email address on door hangers left with District 10 voters. The use of A City email address in campaign material may be a violation of the State Code of Ethics and a violation of the City Code of Ethics.
City Attorney Kathleen McDaniel said that she contacted Alderperson Gabriel and “Suggested she stop using the City email address in Campaign Material”.
Gabriel is being challenged by Bruce Jacobs for the District 10 seat in the April 2nd election.
In the event an official complaint is filed with the City, the violation would be brought before the City of Manitowoc Ethics Board for a possible hearing. After review; the Ethics Board could impose a fine of not more than $100.00 as outlined in the City of Manitowoc Municipal Code. A violation at the State level may carry a fine of not more than $1,000 for each violation.
