Cobb, Michael: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .265, .205, .220, 320, .255 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions, expenditures, books of account, committee registration, and sponsor ID. (APR 2018)

Case

#34458

Respondent

Michael Cobb

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The complaint alleged Mr. Cobb violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely file complete and accurate Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contributions and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports).

During the 2017 campaign, Michael Cobb filed C-3 and C-4 reports in two ways, by completing and mailing/emailing handwritten paper filed reports to the PDC, and by the electronic method using the PDC’s Online Reporting of Campaign Activities (ORCA) campaign filing software.

Michael Cobb was a first-time candidate for public office in 2017, and the public was not deprived of critical information before and after the ballots had been mailed out, and he was defeated in the November 7, 2017 general election, staff has determined that in this instance, failure to timely file reports of contributions and expenditures does not amount to a material violation warranting further investigation.

The PDC is reminding Michael Cobb about the importance of timely filing C-3 and C-4 in accordance with PDC laws, rules and reporting requirements, including using the electronic filing method for all future campaigns. The PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

April 17, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.220, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.255, RCW 42.17A.265, RCW 42.17A.425