Shannon, Carla - Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for unauthorized use of public facilities by using a city police vehicle for political advertising.

Case

#21961

Respondent

Carla Shannon

Complainant

Carl Nielsen

Description

A complaint was filed against Carla Shannon, a Lewis County Deputy Clerk and a candidate for Lewis County Clerk in 2017, alleging violations of RCW 42.17A.555 by using Lewis County facilities to support her candidacy for County Clerk by having an 'Elect Carla Shannon Lewis County Clerk [R]" Campaign sign appear on a Centralia Police Department (CPD) vehicle during the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run in Lewis County.  

James Shannon, Ms. Shannon’s spouse was a Sergeant for the CPD at the time the complaint was filed and through part of the 2017 election cycle.  The complaint included a reference that “Sergeant Shannon had placed the election signs on a City vehicle in violation of both City of Centralia and CPD policies, and that it is also in violation of RCW 42.17A.555 which is why I am advising of this complaint.”

Ms. Shannon stated that the CPD vehicle in question was “an unmarked transport van which was used to ferry runners around the course.” 

PDC staff dismissed the matter, but reminded Ms. Hannon concerning the prohibitions against using public facilities to support her candidacy, should she become a candidate for public office in the future.  Staff also reminded Mr. Shannon about the prohibitions against using the facilities of a public agency to support or oppose a candidate or ballot proposition, should he become a public employee again in the future.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 14, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 21961 Shannon Carla Complaint.pdf
• Carla Shannon and James Shannon Complaint Return Letter (Nielsen) PDC Case 21961.pdf
• 21961 Shannon Carla Response.pdf