Broughton, William "Bill": Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.240 & .445 for failing to provide the required expenditure details for political advertisements and for making loan repayments to the candidate in excess of $6,000 limit. (EY '21; October '21)

Case

#100010

Respondent

William "Bill" Broughton

Complainant

Sophia Blamey

Description

The complaint alleged Bill Broughton, a 2021 candidate for Bremerton Mayor, violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures on Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports and RCW.17A.445 for making loan repayments to a candidate in excess of $6,000 limit.

In response, Broughton stated the repayment was due to a purchase made with his personal credit card for campaign-related materials. Broughton noted the vendor required credit card payment, but there was no credit card associated with the campaign fund.

In response to the alleged violation of 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures on Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports, the campaign added information on the dates of its advertising on Facebook and Google, plus the number of printed materials on expenditures for mailers and signs.

During its investigation, PDC staff noted the Broughton campaign filed its 7-day pre-general C-4, reporting a total of $11,194.85 in expenditures from October 12 to October 25, 202, on November 3, 2021. The report was filed eight days late and one day after the 2021 General Election. 

Based on these findings, PDC staff has determined that, in this instance, the failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.

However, Broughton will receive a formal written warning pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) concerning the failure to timely report contributions and expenditures. The formal written warning includes staff’s expectation Broughton will timely and accurately file PDC reports in the future and disclose contributions and expenditures as required by law.

The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on future Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. 

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

October 25, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.445

Documents

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