Kuehn, Matt: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 & WAC 390-18 for failing to identify sponsor of political advertising; RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failing to accurately report expenditures; WAC 390-16-037 & -205 for lacking details. (EY '21; Jun '21).

Case

#93802

Respondent

Matt Kuehn

Complainant

Andrew Rheaume

Description

The complaint alleged Matt Kuehn, a candidate for Bothell City Council Position 5, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18 by failing to identify the sponsor of political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the applicable PDC reports, the evidence provided in the complaint and a response from Matt Kuehn, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

After reviewing Kuehn’s PDC reports, PDC staff added an allegation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to accurately report expenditures and WAC 390-16-037 and -205 for lacking expenditure detail on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports.

Based on PDC findings, and the fact that Kuehn is a first-time candidate, the advertising was sponsored by and candidate pictured in the advertising, with no intent to conceal sponsorship, and the candidate promptly took action to comply, PDC staff has determined that, in this instance, the failure to include sponsor identification and list expenditure detail does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding about the importance of adding the required expenditure detail to C-4 reports and identifying the sponsor's name and address on political advertising, in accordance with PDC laws 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

June 22, 2021

Areas of Law

WAC 390-16-205, WAC 390-18-010