Elfo, Bill: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for misuse of public facilities in support of Whatcom County Proposition 2017-6 (EY 17; Jan 18)

Case

#28874

Respondent

Bill Elfo

Complainant

Sandy Robson

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Sandy Robson filed on December 12, 2017. The complaint alleged that Bill Elfo (Respondent), Whatcom County Sheriff, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 for authorizing the use of public facilities to support Whatcom County Proposition 2017-6, concerning Public Safety and Jail Facilities Sales and Use Tax. 

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

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to clarify that the use of an official title does not constitute an official position of the agency, does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Bill Elfo about the importance of clearly identifying political statements made in a personal capacity, separate from official positions of the agency. PDC staff expects that Bill Elfo will clearly state when statements do not reflect the official position of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office when using the title of Sheriff in the future.

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 Reminder

Date Opened

January 03, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 28874 Elfo Bill Response.pdf
• 28874 Elfo Bill Reminder Letter.pdf
• 28874 Elfo Bill Supplemental Response.pdf
• 28874 Elfo Bill Complaint.pdf