Morken, Sarah: 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

#34581

Respondent

Sarah J Morken

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint
filed by Glen Morgan on April 11, 2018. The complaint alleged that Sarah Morken, a candidate seeking
election to the office of Tacoma City Council in 2017, violated RCW 42.17A or WAC
390.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint in light of PDC laws and rules
in order to determine whether a formal investigation or enforcement action is warranted.
Staff reviewed the Candidate Registration (C-1 report), Monetary Contributions reports
(C-3 reports), and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4
reports), filed by the Sarah Moken Campaign, and the June 5, 2018 response letter from
Walter Smith, an attorney with Smith & Dietrich Law Offices, on behalf of his client
Sarah Morken.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060, Sarah Morken will receive a formal written warning
concerning her failure to timely file reports of contribution and expenditure activities
electronically using the PDC ORCA filing software or using a third-party vendor kit.
The formal written warning will include staffs expectation that Ms. Morken timely file
complete and accurate reports of contributions and expenditures in future years in
accordance with PDC laws and rules, including electronically. The Commission will
consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are
future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff found no evidence of an actual material violation that would require
conducting a more formal investigation into your complaints or pursuing enforcement
action in this instance. Therefore, PDC is returning your complaints filed against Sarah
Morken without taking any action.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

April 23, 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