Citizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.260, .305, .320 and .240 for failure to: report IE or EC advertisements, include full sponsor ID on ads by a political committee and include expenditure detail (EY 21;Oct 21)

Case

#99834

Respondent

Michael Meeks

Complainant

Alexander Johnson

Description

The complaint alleged Citizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC, a 2021 election-year only committee, violated RCW 42.17A.260, .305, and .320 for failing to report Independent Expenditures or Electioneering Communications and failing to include full sponsor identification on advertisements by a political committee. In review of Citizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC reports, PDC staff added a violation of RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to provide the required expenditure description on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports.

The Committee paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), which resolves the issue of failing to timely file an Independent Expenditure (C-6) report disclosing Committee expenditures made during the 2021 Election for electioneering communications.

The allegation of RCW 42.17A.260 is dismissed per RCW 42.17A.305 (4) as reports filed pursuant to RCW 42.17A.305 also satisfy the requirements of 42.17A.260.

In response to allegation ofRCW 42.17A.320, Meeks noted there were no contributors donating $1,000 or more.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Citizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC will receive a formal written warning concerning a violation RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to timely and accurately disclose the expenditure descriptions on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports.

Staff expects the Committee will, in the future, timely and accurately disclose expenditures as required by law.

The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

The PDC will not be conducting a more formal investigation into these allegations or take any further enforcement action in this matter.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the case againstCitizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC, in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-070.

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding

Date Opened

October 20, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.260, RCW 42.17A.305

Documents

Penalties

Total penalties: $150

Balance Due: $0

Citizens of Edmonds for Good Governance PAC

Penalty

$150 (Statement of Understanding)

Payments

$150 on 12/23/2021 (PAID)