Wheeler, Shaunie (2) - Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240, .205, .320 for failing to timely and accurately report contributions, expenditures, sponsor information, and committee officers.(EY 2017, AUG 2017)

Two complaints were filed against Shaunie Wheeler, an employee of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 77 (IBEW Local 77) and registered with the PDC as an employee lobbyist in 2015, and a candidate for Sea-Tac City Council in 2017 for PDC Cases 19050 and 24555.

The complaints alleged that Ms. Wheeler may have violated RCW 42.17A by failing to: (1) timely and accurately file monthly Lobbyist Expense Reports (L-2 reports) disclosing lobbying activities including the percentage of time spent lobbying the Legislature vs. State Agencies; (2) file a Lobbyist Biography page along with the Lobbyist Registration (L-1 report); (3) timely file a Candidate Registration (C-1 report) and Personal Financial Affairs Statement  (F-1 report) within two weeks of declaring her candidacy; and (4) failing to timely file Monetary Contribution Reports (C-3 report), and Campaign Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports).

PDC staff found that Ms. Wheeler timely filed the L-2 reports disclosing lobbying activities including the compensation paid to her by IBEW Local 77 to lobby, and she also timely filed most of the L-2 reports disclosing zero or no reportable lobbying activities.

In addition, her Campaign timely filed all C-3 and  C-4 reports throughout the 2017 primary election. Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, Ms. Wheeler’s failure to timely file several L-2 reports disclosing no lobbying activities and failing to disclose her filing fee paid with her personal funds as an in-kind contribution, does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.

There were several allegations which the complainant failed to provide any evidence other than stating they were being made on information and belief.   Since no evidence was provided for those allegations, PDC staff has dismissed those allegations in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).   

PDC staff reminded Shaunie Wheeler about the importance of timely filing L-2 reports as a registered lobbyist, even when there is no reportable lobbying activities to disclose, and if she should become a candidate again in the future, to timely file C-3 and C-4 reports disclosing contribution and expenditure activities undertaken by the Campaign, including the filing fee, as required by PDC laws and rules. 

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the remaining allegations in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).