17th Legislative District Democrats (2): Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to accurately and timely file expenditure reports. (OCT 2017)

Case

#27329

Respondent

Aryn Oster

Complainant

Frank McConnell

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Frank McConnell on October 31, 2017. The complaint alleged that the 17th Legislative District Democrats, a bona fide legislative district party committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken during calendar year 2017.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by 2017 Treasurer, Aryn Oster; and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.
 

Staff’s review of the 17THLD’s campaign contribution and expenditure reports submitted during 2017 found that the majority of the reports comprised either small monetary deposits and expenses or no activity at all. However, the committee filed reports, including those detailed in the complaint, than 100 days past the due date.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file C-3 and C-4 reports disclosing contribution and expenditure activity during calendar year 2017, including the disclosure of expenses for post office box rental, website domain, website hosting, and funds given to the CCDCC for a fundraising event, does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the 17th Legislative District Democrats received a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclose contribution and expenditures during calendar year 2017. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that the 17THLD timely files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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 Written Warning

Date Opened

November 09, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235

Documents

• 27329 17th Legislative District Democrats Complaint.pdf
• 27329 17th Legislative District Democrats Warning Letter.pdf
• 27329 17th Legislative District Democrats Response.pdf