Gotts, Catherine: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.700 for failure to file annual F-1 Statement of Personal Financial Affairs. (Group Enforcement 18)

This matter was heard by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission
(Commission) on October 25, 2018, at the Public Disclosure Commission Office, 711 Capitol Way, Room 206, Olympia, Washington 98504. The hearing was held pursuant to Chapter 34.05 RCW, Chapter 42.17A RCW, and Chapter 390-37 WAC.

Commissioners present were Anne Levinson, Commission Chair (presiding); David Ammons, Commission Vice-Chair; and Commissioner William Downing. Also present were Assistant Attorney General John S. Meader representing the Commission; Fox Blackhorn-Delph, PDC Compliance Coordinator; Tabatha Blacksmith, PDC Compliance Coordinator; and Assistant Attorney General Chad Standifer on behalf of PDC Staff. Respondent Catherine Gotts
did not participate. The proceeding was open to the public and recorded.

After reviewing the record, including the testimony by PDC Staff and the Respondent, the Commission HEREBY ORDERS that the following Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Final Order of the Commission be entered:

1. The Initial Order and civil penalty of $250 are VACATED due to the following
mitigating circumstances: the Respondent made good faith efforts to file before hearing notices were issued, and technical difficulties frustrated compliance.

2. The Respondent shall file all required PDC reports in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(4) and have no further violations of Chapter 42.17A RCW or Title 390 WAC within four years of this order.