KLAMATH FALLS - At recent FERC talks in Klamath Falls, at the Shilo Inn, a brown Chevrolet Tahoe government vehicle, US government license plate number G62/3905B, was spotted in the parking lot, displaying bumper stickers saying "Save the Klamath Salmon" and "Un-Dam the Klamath".

Federal Property Management Regulations at 41 CFR 101-39.304 provides "Decorative items (i.e. bumper stickers and decals) will not be used on IFMS (Interagency Fleet Management System) vehicles unless authorized by the Director, Fleet Management Division, GSA."

Due to the political nature of the bumper stickers, it is also interesting to note that the Hatch Act precludes Government employees from participating in political activities while using a government owned or leased vehicle or while using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.  5 U.S.C. 7324(a)(4).

While information on the legalities of the bumper stickers was quickly given by GSA representatives, calls and emails from the Klamath Courier attempting to find which Governmental Agency and employee were in possession of the vehicle, were as of press time, ignored.

 

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