City of Ocean Shores: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for using city utility resources to mail campaign documents in support of a ballot measure. (July 2018)

Case

#37540

Respondent

Crystal Dingler

Complainant

Allen Lizakowski

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Allen Lizakowski on July 7, 2018. The complaint alleged that the City of Ocean Shores may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 for using city utility resources to mail campaign documents in support of a ballot measure.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that in this instance, the use of a public facilities does not amount to a material violation warranting further investigation since: (1) Historically, the PDC has routinely advised and held that with respect to election-related publications, one jurisdiction-wide objective and fair presentation of the facts per ballot measure is appropriate; (2) The City of Ocean Shores has customarily communicated with its residents in a manner similar to that undertaken for the ballot measure; and (3) The Public Disclosure Commission holds that it is not only the right, but the responsibility of local government to inform the general public of the operational and maintenance issues facing local agencies.

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 No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

July 09, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555