Case #59412
Respondent name: Elizabeth Hallock
Complainant name: Glen Morgan

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 (Resolved 01/24/2020)
Date opened: 10/29/2019
Area of Law: RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-037