The Democratic and Republican leaders of the state Legislature on Wednesday urged state Auditor Troy X. Kelley to resign immediately as he deals with a mounting pile of criminal charges.
Kelley has been on a self-imposed unpaid leave of absence since April to fight allegations of tax evasion, money laundering and stealing money from clients of a business he ran prior to his election as auditor in 2012.
“We recognize that you are presumed innocent of the charges and in fact have pleaded not guilty,” legislative leaders state in a one-page letter delivered to Kelly’s office. “It is hard to imagine that you are able to perform any services to the state while on this leave of absence, let alone fulfill the duties of such an important elected office.
“It is reasonable for you to focus your time and energy on your federal case, but it is unreasonable for the public to be without a trustworthy and full-time elected Auditor in the meantime,” the letter reads. “For all of these reasons, we respectfully ask that you resign your office of State Auditor immediately.”
It is signed by House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, House Minority Leader Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, and Senate Minority Leader Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island.
Wednesday’s letter is the latest attempt by state elected officials to get Kelley to leave office. Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson are among the others who have called on the auditor to quit.
Kelley’s term runs through 2016. As of Wednesday, no one has announced they will seek the office.
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