Miller, Matthew C: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately report billboard rental on C-4 report. (EY '21; Oct '21)

Case

#100212

Respondent

Matthew C Miller

Complainant

Evan Saxton

Description

The complaint alleged Matthew C. Miller, a 2021 candidate for Anacortes Mayor, violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately report expenditures on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports, specifically the timely reporting of a $1,150 expenditure for billboard design and rental.

In response to the complaint, Miller stated the failure to report the debt on October 12 was “unintentional” stating “We are just a small campaign team, and my wife as Treasurer, we wanted to do everything by the ‘book’ but may have miss-understood exactly when the campaign occurred the ‘debt’ or the precise amount for the billboard.”

Based on these findings, PDC staff has determined that, in this instance, the failure to timely and accurately report expenditures on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports, specifically the timely reporting of a $1,150 expenditure for billboard design and rental, does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.

However, Miller will receive a formal written warning pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) concerning the failure to timely report expenditures. The formal written warning includes staff’s expectation Miller will timely and accurately file PDC reports in the future and disclose 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 28, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240