Pierce County Democratic Central Committee (5): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.240 for failure to report debt for settlement judgment (Feb 19)

Case

#47065

Respondent

Pierce County Democratic Central Committee

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaints filed by Glen Morgan on February 3, 2019 and February 5, 2019. Your complaints alleged that the Pierce County Democratic Central Committee (PCDCC), a bona fide political party committee may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) disclosing proceeds from a low-cost fundraiser; and (2) RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to accurately disclose the unsuspended portion of a penalty as a debt.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the two complaints filed; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Rick Offner, Treasurer for Pierce County Democratic Central Committee; and the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on staff’s review, the late filed C-3 report cited in PDC Case 46474 was the result of an internal audit conducted by the PCDCC. The Commission encourages the practice of internal review and the submittal of missing or incorrect reports of campaign activities.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file one C-3 report disclosing proceeds from a low-cost fundraiser and failure to disclose the October 27, 2017 unsuspended penalty owed to the AGO as a debt, does not warrant further investigation or enforcement action.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the PCDCC received a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately file Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports) disclosing debt. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that the PCDCC timely file accurate and complete C-4 reports in future years in accordance with PDC laws and rules. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

In addition, PDC staff reminded the PCDCC about the importance of timely filing all Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) disclosing deposits made, no matter the source of contributions or the amount. The reminder included staff’s expectation that the PCDCC continue utilizing internal controls and audits to ensure timely and accurate reporting of all campaign activities in the future. 

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

February 13, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 46474 & 47065 Pierce Co Demo Cent Comm Formal Warning Ltr.pdf
• 47065 Pierce Co Democrats (5) Response.pdf
• 47065 Pierce Co Democrats (5) Complaint.pdf