UEA e-mails under fire

The state's largest teachers union is being accused of using publicly funded e-mail accounts to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Scott Matheson Jr., according to a complaint filed with the Lieutenant Governor's Office Tuesday.

Parents for Choice in Education, a political action committee whose stands are often at odds with the union, says Utah Education Association President Pat Rusk and union representative Elizabeth MacFarlane of the Alpine School District used school e-mail to recruit volunteers for Matheson's campaign.

"To us, there's no difference between this and someone using a school copy machine to make campaign brochures. It's public funds; an e-mail address is not free," said Elisa Clements Peterson, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education PAC. "As an organization that is often on the opposing side of campaigns of the UEA, it's in our interest to see that everyone is playing fair."

Rusk was visiting with teachers in southern Utah Tuesday as part of the union's annual road trip and declined to comment.

State elections director Amy Naccarato said her office will investigate the complaint. But at first glace, she added, the matter appears to involve school policy more than state law.

"My initial reaction is, this is more of an issue of acceptable use policy and not so much a violation of state law," Naccarato said. "It's probably a question for Alpine School District . . . (more) than it is with the Lieutenant Governor's Office."

The complaint stems from an e-mail MacFarlane apparently sent to a number of Alpine District e-mail accounts, according to documents included in the Parents for Choice in Education complaint.

The e-mail appears to be a forwarded message from Rusk listing campaign events for Matheson, a UEA-backed gubernatorial candidate.

"Remember, if we want to see change on Capitol Hill, we'll have to work for it," the message states. "You can do your part by giving a little money and time to candidates who support public schools. Please pass this information on to others."

Parents for Choice in Education's complaint claims the e-mail violates election law prohibiting public entities from using public funds for political purposes.

"Recent events are indicating that many public employees are using public e-mail accounts for campaign activities, often during work hours," the complaint states. "To avoid future confusion and complaints, I entreat the Lieutenant Governor's Office to issue an e-mail update reminding superintendents and other public employees and officials statewide of their obligation to prevent campaign use of public facilities."