Go Big Tri-Cities: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.430, .445 for failure to follow the provisions for the disposal of surplus funds and for unauthorized personal use of contributions. (MAY 2018)

Case

#35938

Respondent

Tyler Borders; Eric Van Winkle

Complainant

Roger Lenk

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Roger Lenk on May 24, 2018. The complaint alleged that Go Big Tri-Cities (Tyler Borders, Eric Van Winkle, and Nick Bumpaous) may have violated RCW 42.17A.430 by failing to properly dispose of surplus funds at the end of the campaign supporting Proposition 16-8, and RCW 42.17A.445 by using the surplus funds for a personal purpose, when the three governors of Go Big Tri-Cities used surplus funds to purchase business insurance after the August 2, 2016 election for purposes other than supporting Proposition 16-8. 

Based on our findings, staff has determined that in this instance, the facts surrounding the alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.430 by failing to properly dispose of surplus funds at the end of the campaign supporting Proposition 16-8, and RCW 42.17A.445 by using the surplus funds for a personal purpose, does not support evidence of a material violation warranting a formal investigation. 

The governors of Go Big Tri-Cities will be reminded that if they are involved with a corporate or non-profit entity in the future that engages in activities reportable by a political committee, to establish a separate political committee with a separate bank account and keep all PAC activities separate from corporate activities. 

The PDC has closed the matter, and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into your complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

May 29, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.430, RCW 42.17A.445

Documents

• Go Big Tri Cities Response.pdf
• Complaint Dispositon Letters (Combined).pdf
• 35938 Go Big Tri-Cities Complaint.pdf