Eslick, Carolyn: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.220 for accepting over-limit anonymous contributions. (OCT 2018)
Case
#41628
Respondent
Carolyn Eslick
Complainant
Jordan Sears
Description
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Jordan Sears on October 4, 2018. The Complaint alleged that Representative Carolyn Eslick may have violated RCW 42.17A.220 for accepting over-limit anonymous contributions during election 2014 and election year 2018.
PDC staff reviewed the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Representative Eslick; and the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent to determine if the allegations support a finding of one or more violations.
Although the 2014 Snohomish County Executive Campaign and the 2018 State Representative Campaign originally submitted C-3 reports that included anonymous contributions in excess of the $300 or one percent of the total contributions, the source of the previously unidentified contributions have now been disclosed and the majority of the remaining campaign contributions were reported in a timely manner.
Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely and accurately disclose individual donations received at fund-raising events in 2014 and 2018, does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation. Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), however, Carolyn Eslick will receive a formal written warning concerning acceptance of over-limit anonymous contirubtions. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Carolyn Eslick maintain complete records of all fund-raising activities, including any itemized individual contribution details required by law, to ensure timely and accurate disclosure on C-3 and C-4 reports in future years as a candidate for public office. 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 finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).
Disposition
Case Closed with Written Warning
Date Opened
October 15, 2018
Areas of Law
RCW 42.17A.220
Documents
Subscribe for updates
To subscribe to this case, enter your email address in the form below and click "Send confirmation link" button. You will be sent a secure link via email that will confirm your subscription.
An email containing a link to confirm your subscription to this case has been sent to {{ email }}.
If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk mail or mail filters.
{{statusMessage}}