Description
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on September 1, 2017. The complaint alleged that State Representative Norman Johnson may have violated:
Allegation One: RCW 42.17A.445 for the personal use of campaign funds when Rep. Johnson made a $3,000 contribution to the House Republican Organizational Committee (HROC) using campaign funds, and when he made a $1,038.55 contribution to the West Valley Fair, described as “Donation to Fair,” using campaign funds.
Allegation Two: RCW 42.17A.430 for disposing of surplus funds in a manner not allowed under RCW 42.17A.430, by making a $3,000 contribution to HROC, and an alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.240 and WAC 390-16-236 for failing to report the $3,000 Surplus Funds expenditure to HROC.
Allegation Three: RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to accurately and timely report debts and obligations in the form of “orders placed” totaling $36,655.77 with Smith Phillips Dipietro Advertising for advertising and related expenses.
Allegation Four: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to accurately and timely report two Summary, Full Report Receipts and Expenditures (PDC Form C-4) reports during Rep. Johnson’s 2016 campaign.
Based on staff’s findings, staff determined that in this instance, the failure to timely file Surplus Funds account C-4 reports, and the failure to timely file two campaign C-4 reports does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.
On July 8, 2019, Rep. Johnson submitted a signed Statement of Understanding acknowledging a violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to timely report orders placed totaling $36,655.77.
On July 8, 2019, Rep. Johnson paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule) for the violation. The $150 penalty resolves this allegation.
Based on this information, the PDC found that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).