The mailing, under Uhlman's letterhead, was originally reported as a contribution from an Uhlman employee. A city query into the contribution resulted in several written and verbal exchanges with Uhlman, climaxing in a threat by officials to compel the former mayor to provide information.
Subpoenas are public records.
Van Noy said the law requiring speedy campaign reporting is designed to provide an opportunity for public scrutiny. Chow, seeking to return to the council two years after a failed run for mayor, said Uhlman has been a longtime supporter, and that she learned about the problem after the fact. The letter didn't give the foe's name, but candidate Judy Nicastro has pushed for a series of renter-protection measures, such as the right to obtain a lease. Uhlman, mayor from 1969 to 1978, is a board member of the Apartment Association of Seattle-King County. Van Noy also thought it looked as though Uhlman provided Chow with a valuable mailing list of landlords without reporting the list's value.