Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee (2): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately report contributions, expenditures, and debts (EY 18; Sep 18)

Case

#40870

Respondent

Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee

Complainant

Kelly Wright

Description

The complaint alleged that the Committee may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely file complete and accurate Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contributions and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports) disclosing: (1) the receipt of a $900 contribution from the 44th Legislative District Democrats; (2) a $3,000 expenditure for a monetary contribution made to Jared Mead; and (3) the reporting of the Blue Wave Gala event held on September 29, 2018.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint you filed, the statutes, rules and reporting requirements, the C-3 and C-4 reports filed by the Committee, and the response to the complaint provided by Richard Moralez, former Committee treasurer and Eric Halvorson, current Committee treasurer.

Based on these findings, and the extenuating circumstances of the death of the Committee treasurer, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to timely file C-3 and C-4 reports disclosing contributions and expenditures does not amount to a material violation warranting further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC to WAC 390-37-060(1), the Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to comply with the reporting requirements and to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports disclosing contributions and expenditures activities in accordance with RCW 42.17A.235 and .240.

PDC staff has the expectation the Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee will timely file complete and accurate reports in future years in accordance with PDC laws and rules, including the timely depositing of contributions within five business days of receipt.

The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

September 21, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240