Schmitt, Tim: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235,.240 & .710 by failing to timely file C-1 report, timely & accurately report campaign contributions & expenditures, and disclose all business associations on F-1 report. (EY '21; Dec '21)

Case

#101620

Respondent

Tim Schmitt

Complainant

Megan Dascher Watkins

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on December 8, 2021. The complaint alleged that Tim Schmitt, a 2021 candidate for City Council for the City of Stanwood may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.205, .235 and .240 for failure to timely file the Candidate Committee Registration (C-1 report), timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure r reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Campaign; and (2) RCW 42.17A.710 for failure to disclose on the Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 report) all entities of which he had reportable ownership interest in during the reporting period.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by the Respondent; and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that although Mr. Schmitt submitted the F-1 report five days past the required due date, the report was accurate and available several weeks before ballots were mailed to voters. In addition, Mr. Schmitt was not required to submit the C-1 or other campaign reports because of Stanwood’s low registered voter count and his lack of campaign activity.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file the F-1 report as a candidate in 2021 does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Tim Schmitt about the importance of the timely disclosure of personal financial information and the timely filings of all future PDC reports in accordance with the statutes and 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 Reminder

Date Opened

December 13, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.710

Documents

• 101620 Schmitt Tim Reminder Letter - Complainant.pdf
• 101620 Schmitt Tim Complaint.pdf
• 101620 Schmitt Tim Reminder Letter - Respondent.pdf
• 101620 Schmitt Tim Response.pdf