Chase, Rob: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for using public resources or facilities to engage in political campaign activities or ballot propositions. (NOV 2018)

Case

#42984

Respondent

Rob Chase

Complainant

Alan McDowell

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Alan McDowell on November 3, 2018. The complaint alleged that Rob Chase, the Spokane County Treasurer, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 for using public facilities or resources to scan a document in support of a political party plank proposal.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations, the statutes and rules, and the response from Rob Chase.  

Based on these findings and the following facts, staff has determined that in this instance, the use of public facilities to support political party plank does not amount of a material violation warranting further investigation since: (1) The alleged non-compliance  made by Rob Chase are minor or ministerial in nature and did not impact the public interest; and (2) The evidence provided is primarily based on the color scheme of the photographic background which is not substantial verification that a violation occurred. 

PDC staff is reminding Rob Chase that no elective official nor any employee of his or her office nor any person appointed to or employed by any public office or agency may use or authorize the use of any of the facilities of a public office or agency, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition. 

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1), and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into your complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case. 

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

November 13, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

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