COMPLAINT TO COUNTY PROSECUTOR

March 31, 2026 letter to Whatcom County Prosecutor Eric Richey:

Dear Mr. Richey,

Please see the attached self-dealing complaint and denial to investigate regarding the City of Blaine’s handling of a citizen ethics complaint arising from Ordinance 26-3043. I also attach a June 2025 self-dealing complaint to the Department of Justice and Attorney General to which I was a party of record as well as 

The concern presented is procedural. A complaint alleging undisclosed financial conflict was denied and permanently closed by the City Manager without identification of any independent review or referral outside the City’s administrative chain.

Given the nature of the allegations and the overlap with other matters involving City officials, I am requesting that your office review this matter and refer it to the Washington State Attorney General for independent review.

Please confirm within five business days whether your office will make that referral and advise when it can be transmitted.

The State Auditor’s Office Special Investigations Unit is copied for upcoming Blaine Audit

Respectfully,

Jay Taber
This communication is a good-faith public-interest statement submitted by an individual citizen concerning potential violations of state law by City of Blaine officials. It is protected speech on a matter of public concern under the First Amendment, Article I, Section 5 of the Washington Constitution, and RCW 4.105 (Uniform Public Expression Protection Act). It is intended to invoke the lawful oversight authority of the named receiving agencies. The allegations herein are alleged and unproven as a matter of law. All named individuals are presumed innocent of any wrongdoing unless and until adjudicated otherwise. This document is based on publicly available records and may contain errors or omissions.  Readers should independently verify all facts before relying on this information. 

April 10, 2026 follow-up letter to Prosecutor Richey:

Dear Prosecutor Richey,

I have yet to receive a response from your office to my March 31, 2026 request for referral to the WA AG public integrity unit to investigate City of Blaine Councilwoman Sarbjit Bains for self-inurement on March 9, 2026, when she voted to increase the value of her and her husband's commercial properties in Ordinance 26-3043, which eliminated parking and height restrictions in the Central Business District.

Please inform me of what you plan to do.

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