Legal and ethical aspects of government social media use
There are complex rules governing the way governments can use social media not only to further their agendas, but also how they moderate commenters and posts. This workshop is designed to give attendants a better idea of the myriad legal and ethical frameworks governments must operate under in the social media sphere.
Follow your adopted agency procedures and consult with an agency’s public records officer or legal advisor when issues arise.
Follow your adopted agency procedures and consult with an agency’s public records officer or legal advisor when issues arise.
Kris Rietmann
Deputy Communications Director, WSDOT @Kris_Rietmann Kris Rietmann is the deputy communications director at the Washington State Department of Transportation and responsible for administrating and providing strategic direction for employee communications, social media, graphic design, website, intranet and interactive communications. Kris served previously as a communications manager for the Office of Financial Management and the Governor’s Office and communications director for the Department of Commerce. Ms. Rietmann earned an MSc in Global Media from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MA in Global Communications from the University of Southern California (USC). She also holds two bachelor degrees in Business and Communications from USC and a certificate in Broadcast Media from the University of Washington. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking (baking especially!) and training for mountain climbing for charity. |
Jim Doherty
Legal Consultant, Municipal Research and Services Center Jim Doherty joined MRSC in July 1993. He has a B.A. degree from Wheeling Jesuit University, an M.A. degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe, and his J.D. degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland. Jim has been an assistant city attorney for two Washington cities. His legal career also includes stints as a public defender, private attorney, legislative counsel and assistant attorney general. The latter two positions were with the Government of American Samoa, in the South Pacific. Jim authored MRSC’s original publication on the Public Records Act back in 1996 and frequently lectures on the topic. |
Tony Perkins
PDC Compliance Officer, Public Disclosure Commission Tony Perkins joined the Public Disclosure Commission in 1999. In his time with the PDC, he has held various positions including political finance investigator, Director of Compliance, and Assistant Director. In his current role as a Compliance Officer, Tony provides advanced guidance to the regulated community and the public, and analyzes and investigates complaints alleging violations of Washington’s campaign finance and disclosure laws. Tony has led or conducted investigations of sitting statewide elected officials, candidates for state office, major political party committees, initiative committees, lobbying campaigns, and state and local agencies. Many of Tony’s cases have resulted in enforcement before the Public Disclosure Commission, or referral to the Washington Attorney General for investigation and court action. |