Anderson, Ron: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 by using public office/agency facilities to support or oppose a candidate. (EY '21; Oct. '21)

Case

#99622

Respondent

Ron Anderson

Complainant

David Taylor

Description

The complaint alleged Ron Anderson, a Yakima County Commissioner, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using public facilities to support or oppose a candidate for public office, specifically allegations Anderson used the Yakima County email system to support a candidate for public office. 

On November 10, 2021, the PDC received a completed Statement of Understanding (SOU) from Ron Anderson, acknowledging a violation of RCW 42.17A.555 by using Yakima County public facilities, specifically a Yakima County e-mail address, and the official Yakima County logo, to send an email cancelling membership in the Washington State Farm Bureau based on its recent endorsement for a challenger candidate for Yakima County Commissioner in 2021.

Ron Anderson paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), which resolves the issue. 

PDC staff found no evidence of material violations requiring additional enforcement action in this matter. 

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the case against, in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding

Date Opened

October 14, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• Case 99622 - Ron Anderson - Statement of Understanding.pdf
• PDC Case 99622 Ron Anderson response.pdf
• PDC Case 99622 Ron Anderson closed with Statement of Understanding.pdf
• 99622 Anderson, Ron Complaint.pdf
• PDC Case 99622 Ron Anderson follow up response.pdf

Penalties