Hallock, Elizabeth (3): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.240 and WAC 390-16-037 for failure to accurately and completely disclose expenditure details (EY 19; Oct 19)

Case

#59412

Respondent

Elizabeth Hallock

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on October 29, 2020. The complaint alleged that Elizabeth Hallock, a candidate for Yakima City Council, Position 4 in 2019, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235, .240 & WAC 390-16-037 for failure to timely and accurately describe expenditures on Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports) expenditures undertaken by the Campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Elizabeth Hallock; the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent; and queried the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on activity disclosed on C-4 reports, the 2019 Liz Hallock for Yakima City Council campaign reported more than $30,000 in total campaign activity and was entirely funded by the candidate via in-kind contributions. Ms. Hallock promptly responded to the complaint and submitted amendments to provide details regarding missing or otherwise deficient information. Although Ms. Hallock has previous experience as a candidate, it appears that the lack of detail provided for her out-of-pocket expenditures were not done to mislead the public or prevent transparency.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to include complete descriptions for in-kind contributions from the candidate, does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

PDC staff reminded Elizabeth Hallock about the importance of including detailed descriptions for all in-kind contributions disclosed on C-4 reports, in accordance with the statutes and 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 Reminder

Date Opened

October 29, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-037