Mayor Greg Nickels today requested an Ethics and Elections Commission investigation into allegations that preferential treatment was given to specific neighborhoods during the December 2008 storm.

It's been reported that managers at the Seattle Department of Transportation instructed crews to clear sidewalk landings and bus stops in West Seattle, where Nickels and other senior staff live.

The transportation department's internal reports show crews were dispatched to similar duties in other
neighborhoods. However, an investigation by the Ethics and Elections Commission will determine whether there were inappropriate operational decisions that violated the ethics code, according to a release from the mayor's office.

“Let me be clear: If I learn that anyone acted improperly or unethically, there will be discipline and consequences,” said Nickels in a statement. “The people of Seattle expect every employee to uphold the highest ethical standards and I will not accept anything short of that. We will demand answers to these management questions because the public must have confidence in the people charged with improving and carrying out our city’s snow response plan.”