Courts, Mike (2): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for authorizing the use of public facilities to support election campaigns (EY 19, Aug 19)

Case

#56501

Respondent

Mike Courts

Complainant

Elizabeth Elliott

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Elizabeth Elliott filed on August 15, 2019. The complaint alleged that Mike Courts, the Mayor of the City of Dupont may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 for authorizing the use of public facilities for support of election campaigns. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by the City of Dupont; to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, authorizing candidates to use open public comment to support their candidacies does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Mike Courts about the importance of not authorizing the use of public facilities to support or appose any candidate or ballot proposition. PDC staff expects Mike Courts to remind members of the public that open public comment may not be used to support or appose election campaigns 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 Reminder

Date Opened

August 21, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 56501 Courts Mike Complaint.pdf
• 56501 Courts Mike Reminder Letter.pdf
• 56501 Courts Mike Response.pdf