Larson, Tim: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235 & .700 by failing to timely register as a candidate w/the PDC, file statement of financial affairs and report contributions & expenditures. (EY '19) (Nov '19)

Case

#60068

Respondent

Tim Larson

Complainant

Kelly Anderson

Description

The PDC received a complaint alleging that Tim Larson (the “Respondent”) may have violated RCW 42.17A.205, .235 & .700 by failing to timely register as a candidate and file a statement of financial affairs within two weeks of becoming a candidate, and timely report contributions & expenditures on C-3 & C-4 reports.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules and reporting requirements; the responses provided by the Respondent; and the Respondent’s reporting history to determine whether they support a finding of one or more violations. Staff’s review found the following:

The Respondent is a first-time candidate who filed with Elections on May 14, 2019 and was therefore required to file a Candidate Registration (C-1 report) and Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 report) with the PDC within two weeks, or no later than May 28, 2019. The Respondent filed a C-1 and F-1 report with the PDC on December 10, 2019, which is 196 days late. 

On his C-1 report, the Respondent selected the Mini-reporting Option, whereby a candidate’s campaign is not required to file C-3 & C-4 reports with the PDC if they raise & spend no more than $5,000 and receive no more than $500 from any one contributor. 

In his response to the complaint, the Respondent indicated he withdrew from the election because he moved out of the district. He reached out the Chelan County Auditor’s Office and was assured his name would not appear on the ballot. Based on this conversation, the Respondent thought he had ceased being a candidate and did not raise or spend any money on his campaign. The Respondent later learned that his name did appear on the ballot and he had won the election. However, due to his move out of the district, the Respondent formally declined to accept the position.

Based on these findings, staff determined that, in this instance, the Respondent’s failure to timely register as a candidate and file a statement of financial affairs does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation. However, the PDC reminded the Respondent about the importance of timely filing all future PDC reports. The PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

November 13, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.700

Documents

• 60068 Larson Tim Reminder Letter.pdf
• 60068 Larson Tim Complaint.pdf
• 60068 Larson Tim Response.pdf