Broughton, William (2): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failing to timely report contributions & expenditures. (EY '21; Aug '21)

Case

#97941

Respondent

William H Broughton

Complainant

Deborah B McDaniel

Description

Two complaints were filed with the PDC against William Broughton, a 2021 first-time candidate for Mayor in the City of Bremerton, alleging that his Campaign may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.405 for receiving over-limit contributions for a candidate whose name will only be appearing on the general election ballot (PDC Case 97486); and (2) RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to timely disclose an expenditure for the candidate filing fee (PDC Case 97941).    

In order to more efficiently use PDC resources, the two complaints were combined into one complaint resolution letter, that is attached below.   The facts for this case,  PDC Case 97941, are only being addressed in this case description.

On March 2, 2021, William Broughton filed a Candidate Registration (C-1) report and selected the Full Reporting Option and listed Abby Somers as Ministerial Treasurer.  This complaint alleged that the William Broughton Campaign failing to timely disclose an expenditure for the candidate filing fee.

 On September 22, 2021, Ms. Somers stated in the response that the candidate decided to “contribute the filing fee to his campaign and I have updated the C-4 to reflect the expense.”

On September 22, 2021, the Campaign filed an amended May 2021 C-4 report, disclosing that $1,700 in monetary contributions had been received, and $2,929.98 in expenditures were made that included a $1,140 expenditure made to the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office on May 19, 2021 for the candidate filing fee. 

Based on these findings, staff has determined that, in this instance the failure to timely disclose the candidate filing fee did not impact the public, and does not amount to a material violation warranting further investigation.   William Broughton was a first-time candidate who was not familiar with the PDC requirements, and the Campaign was responsive and promptly amended the requested C-4 report as soon as this issue was brought to their attention. 

However, William Broughton was reminded to timely disclose all contribution and expenditure activities, including the candidate filing fee for the remainder of the 2021 election and for future campaigns.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

September 01, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 97941 Broughton William Complaint (2).pdf
• Broughton, William Combined Complaint Return Letter (McDaniel) PDC Cases 97486 & 97941.pdf
• Broughton, William Response to complaint PDC Case 97941.pdf