Opinion ID: 2651362
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Wool Campaign

Text: In April 2009, Donald Campbell's seat on the Board came up for re-election. Campbell originally ran for re-election unopposed. Concerned about a potential conflict of interest created by Campbell's status as an active union firefighter, however, Pierce actively encouraged William Wool to enter the race as a write-in candidate. -5- At Pierce's request, Commissioner Mycock agreed to meet with Wool to discuss Wool's interest in serving on the Board. Mycock did not discourage Wool from running and, while he did not take a position on Wool's candidacy, he agreed that Campbell's union ties created a conflict of interest. Mycock's concerns were echoed by Commissioner Field, although Field did not take a public position on Wool's campaign either. Mycock did have Olsen advise Pierce not to campaign for Wool while on duty or to use Department resources in his campaigning. Pierce complied with both requests. Throughout the month of May, Pierce campaigned for Wool by handing out flyers, talking to acquaintances about the election, and displaying a campaign sign for Wool on election day. On one occasion, Pierce was off-duty and campaigning for Wool outside the town Post Office when Olsen drove by and indicated that he wanted Pierce's assistance at an emergency call. Reporting to emergency calls is voluntary for off-duty firefighters, and Pierce declined Olsen's request. The next day, Olsen told Pierce that he wished that Pierce had responded to the call. Olsen also mentioned that he was concerned about losing Campbell as a Commissioner during the upcoming election. Campbell ultimately won reelection. Following the election, according to Pierce's testimony, Olsen told Pierce that he was not happy that Pierce had campaigned for Wool. Olsen also opined that it was inappropriate for Pierce to have campaigned -6- outside the fire station on a separate occasion. Campbell stopped by Pierce's office during the same period, ostensibly to assure Pierce that he had no hard feelings, but he ultimately expressed disappointment and frustration with Pierce over his support for Wool.