Sullivan, David - Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.430 for the unauthorized use of campaign surplus funds. (SEP 2017) | Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)

Case

#25389

Respondent

David Sullivan

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

On September 18, 2017, the PDC received a complaint alleging that David Sullivan, an incumbent County Commissioner for Jefferson County in the 2017 election year, may have violated RCW 42.17A.430 for the unauthorized use of campaign surplus funds.

PDC staff reviewed the complaint; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; and the response provided by the Respondent, to determine whether the records reviewed support a finding of one or more violations.

Staff determined that on December 2, 2016, the Respondent wrote a check for $800.90 from his surplus account. The check was made payable to the Respondent for "future campaign." At the time the Respondent had become aware of an effort that was being formed to develop a local ballot measure and offered to donate his surplus funds when the ballot measure campaign got underway. This amount was donated to the ballot measure campaign by the Respondent on June 28, 2017.

The Respondent fully acknowledged his mistake and noted that he neglected to "re-read the RCW or ask for help," and fully cooperated with the PDC staff during the entirety of the review. The Respondent also asked for a refund from the ballot measure campaign and used the refunded money to donate his surplus funds to a charitable organization.

Based on this determination, staff reminded the Respondent about the importance of adhering to the statutory provisions related to the disposal of surplus funds in future years.

Based on this information, staff dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

September 26, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.430

Sullivan, David - Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.430 for the unauthorized use of campaign surplus funds. (SEP 2017)