Steeb, Karen: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555, .335 for using public office or resources to support a political campaign and to defame a political opponent. (EY 2017, OCT 2017)

Case

#26308

Respondent

Karen Steeb

Complainant

Greg Fazzio

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Greg Fazzio on October 2, 2017. The complaint alleged that Kareen Steeb, a 2017 candidate for Woodinville Water District, may have violated RCW 42.17A.335 for publishing false and defamatory statements with actual malice about Greg Fazzio on the candidate’s website, and RCW 42.17A.555 for misusing public facilities to oppose the candidacy of Greg Fazzio.

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

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, insufficient evidence supports a finding of an actual violation warranting further investigation.

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 No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

October 18, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.335, RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 26308 Steeb Karen Complaint.pdf
• 26308 Steeb Karen Complaint Return Letter.pdf
• 26308 Steeb Karen Response With Attachments.pdf