Peterson, Stephen (Steve) K: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 & .320 by failing to timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures, and properly identify sponsor on political advertising. (EY '21' Jul '21)

Case

#96617

Respondent

Stephen (Steve) K. Peterson

Complainant

Karen Pagliaro

Description

The complaint alleged Stephen Peterson, a 2021 candidate for Mayor of Liberty Lake, violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures on Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports and RCW 42.17A.320 for failing to properly identify the sponsor of political advertising.

There is no violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failing to properly identify the sponsor of political advertising under these circumstances. Videos made by the candidate promoting themselves and posted to a campaign’s social media pages or website are not required to include sponsor identification if the originating page has the required sponsor identification. If the video was posted in other places or as stand-alone advertising, sponsor identification would be required. 

PDC staff has determined, in this instance, the failure to timely and accurately report expenditures does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation. However, based on the fact Peterson has four previous campaigns and extensive reporting history with the PDC, Peterson will receive a formal written warning pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) concerning the failure to timely report contributions and expenditures. 

The formal written warning includes staff’s expectation Peterson will, in the future, timely and accurately file PDC reports and disclose contributions and expenditures as required by law. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on future Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or 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 Written Warning

Date Opened

August 02, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

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