Renton Regional Fire Authority Officials: Alleged Violation of 42.17A.555 for misuse of public facilities (EY 19, Nov 19)

Case

#60381

Respondent

Renton Regional Fire Authority Officials

Complainant

Marcie Maxwell

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Marcie Maxwell filed on November 21, 2019. The complaint alleged that Renton Regional Fire Authority Officials (RRFA) (Respondent), public officials in the Fire Districts comprising the RRFA may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 for misuse of public facilities by publishing political advertising in support or opposition of a candidate up for election or re-election in the 2019 election cycle.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint to determine whether a formal investigation or enforcement action is warranted. Staff reviewed all attachments submitted with the complaint, the statute, rules, and PDC Interpretation 04-02 “Guidelines for Local Government Agencies in Election Campaigns,” and the December 9, 2019, response from Brian Snure, Attorney for the Renton Regional Fire Authority Officials. 

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, there is no evidence that supports finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

However, the PDC staff is reminding the Renton Regional Fire Authority Officials about the prohibitions of using commissioners and facilities to support or oppose any candidate or ballot proposition, and encouraged the RRFA to not feature any elected officials in RRFA business related communications or publications concerning relevant RRFA issues when that official is up for election or re-election. 

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

November 22, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

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