City councilman who used shirtless pic for school tour faces recall for expensing concert tickets, flights, and Versace items

A Washington state city council member faces a recall after he was charged with four counts of misbehavior by the city including using campaign funds for personal uses, such as airfare and luxury items.

Josh Binda, a 23-year-old city councilman in Lynnwood City, Washington, could lose his position after several alleged acts of inappropriate behavior, according to the Daily Mail.

Problems started for Binda in April 2023, when he used a shirtless photo of himself to promote a speaking tour at middle and high schools.

According to local outlet KING 5 Seattle, Binda earned more than $12,000 for his "Love Conquers All Tour," which saw him visit 13 schools in the state.

However, while that brought up ethical questions, it was not the act that resulted in Binda potentially losing his job.

In 2022, it was reported by the Lynnwood Times that Binda declared almost $5,000 in rent, concert tickets, flights, haircuts, and a $1,500 Versace item as expenses. Expenses also included jewelry, laptops, groceries, dental work, and office furniture. A single haircut cost was $163.

In December 2022, Binda was accused of using a city building to film a promo for his tour, which is potentially a violation of city rules if it is ruled that he profited through use of the video.

At the same time, he was accused of allowing his cameraman to use his city ID to get in and out of the building, another violation.

Binda was also accused of allegedly using the city's email system for personal business.

However, council members reportedly have a $2,600 budget for city-related travel and expenses, which Binda was reimbursed from. The young man also said that all his expenses were campaign-related, but local outlets claimed that he did not provide evidence of this.

"I am not the only one that runs my account, so I would have to ask my campaign manager and would have to talk with him about all of my expenses," Binda reportedly said.

Binda, who has been described as a "Black Lives Matter activist," said he felt "bullied" and "intimidated" by fellow council members not to go on the trips he said were connected to work.

A Snohomish County Superior Court judge has ruled that the "charges of misfeasance, malfeasance and violation of his Oath of Office satisfied for a recall petition."

The NAACP said it opened an investigation into the potential targeting of Binda.

"People are always going to have their opinions," Binda said. "I just hope this reveals the blockades I've been dealing with since getting elected."

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