Keith Goehner – Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 & .320 for failure to disclose expenditures, in-kind contributions, debt or other obligations and failure to include required sponsor identification. (EY 18, June 18)

Case

#37184

Respondent

Keith W. Goehner

Complainant

Kelly Anderson

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Kelly Anderson on June 19, 2018. The complaint alleged that Keith Goehner, a candidate for State Representative in the 12th Legislative District in 2018, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution Reports (C-3 report) and Summary Full Reporting of Contribution and Expenditure Reports (C-4 report) disclosing contribution and expenditure activities, including in-kind contributions, debts or other obligations; and (2) RCW 42.17A320 by failing to include the proper sponsor identification on political advertising sponsored by his Campaign.

Based on these findings, staff has determined that in this instance, failure to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports, including the disclosure of the source of the funds used to pay for the Campaign signs, website and fundraising costs, and the failure to include sponsor identification on political advertising sponsored by his Campaign, does not amount to a material violation warranting further investigation.

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), Keith Goehner will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports, as well as the failure to include the complete sponsor identification on political advertisement(s). The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that the Goehner Campaign file accurate and timely C-3 and C-4 reports for the duration of the 2018 election cycle and that Keith Goehner shall ensure any future political advertisements undertaken by his Campaign, complies with all statutes and rules. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

June 25, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 37184 Goehner Keith Complaint.pdf
• 37184 Goehner Keith Response.pdf
• 37184 Goehner Keith Written Warning.pdf