Pasadena Official Admits To Violating Ethics Rules In Lawsuit

PASADENA, TX -- An official close to Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell admitted in court this week to violating state ethics rules by actively campaigning for Isbell’s 2013 re-election2013, as well as in support of a charter amendment to change the city's election system.

Richard Scott, Pasadena’s community relations director, was testifying in the voting rights lawsuit, and admitted to using city workers and resources to do campaign work during business hours and sent campaign-related emails from his city account.

Scott's testimony came during questioning by attorney Ernest Herrera, who represents the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund in the civil trial of a lawsuit filed by Hispanic voters.

According to a Houston Chronicle report, Scott expressed regret for his actions, and acknowledged that he was aware he was breaking the law at the time.

Investigation of the case could possibly be brought to the Harris County District Attorney's Office Public Integrity Unit.

For the most part, public servants are prohibited from using government resources such as computers or staff time for personal gain or campaigns.

Public servants can be subjected to misdemeanor charges that result in fines, to a first degree felony and possibly jail time for ethics violations, which are investigated by the state ethics commission.

Testimony began Nov. 18 in a federal voting rights lawsuit that has pitted the City of Pasadena against the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

In 2013, Pasadena voters approved a measure that changed the city council structure from eight single-member districts to a system with two at-large seats and six single-member positions.

MALDEF filed the lawsuit and claims the changes made to the structure of the city council three years ago are discriminatory against Hispanics, and dilutes their voting power.

On Nov. 18, Pasadena City Councilman Ornaldo Ybarra testified to hearing second-hand accounts that Isbell was concerned "an invasion" of Hispanics would take over the council if voters didn’t approve the the district system.

Testimony continues next week.

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