Gonzalez, Lorena: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.710 by failing to disclose outstanding student loan debt on the Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 report) filed for calendar year 2019. (EY '21; October '21)

Case

#100152

Respondent

M. Lorena Gonzalez

Complainant

Patricia Murakami

Description

The complaint alleged Lorena Gonzalez, a former Seattle City Council member and 2021 candidate for Seattle Mayor, violated RCW 42.17A.710 by failing to accurately file financial affairs (F-1) statements, specifically failing to list student debt on the F-1. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; and the response from Lorena Gonzalez, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

When responding, Gonzales provided the PDC four amended F-1 reports, covering the years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. PDC staff filed the amended reports. As of 2020, candidates could amend the F-1 reports online, and on December 21, 2021, Gonzalez electronically amended the F-1 reports covering the years 2019 and 2020. The amended reports included additional creditor information: the Internal Revenue Service (tax liability), Navient (student loan) and PHEA (student loan).

Based on these findings, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to accurately file financial affairs statement does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation. 

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Lorena Gonzalez will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to comply with PDC requirements as noted in this letter.

The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Lorena Gonzalez shall complete any outstanding amendments by January 31, 2022 and accurately file all future required financial affairs reports as required by law. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further 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 27, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.710

Documents

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