Shepard, Mary "Peggy": Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 by using public agency/office facilities to assist an election campaign. (EY '19; Nov '19)

Case

#60032

Respondent

Mary "Peggy" Shepard

Complainant

David Bryan Holloway

Description

The complaint alleged Mary “Peggy” Shepard, a City of Snoqualmie City Council Member, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using city facilities to assist another candidate’s campaign. You provided photos of a sweatshirt that listed three 2019 candidates for Snoqualmie City County Shepard wore at a public meeting.
PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements, and the response provided by Shepard, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

The meeting referenced in the complaint was advertised on the city website; however, it was not administered as a regular city council meeting or by Shepard. As such, Shepard’s actions were not governed by RCW 42.17A.555. Based on these findings staff has determined, in this instance, the alleged use of public facilities by Shepard to campaign for another candidate, does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.

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 No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

November 12, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555