Good morning. I’m Anne Levinson, Chair of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. The PDC is the state agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing our state’s campaign finance and disclosure laws. I want to thank the Attorney General for taking the action that he has announced here today.

Governor Inslee announces appointment of David Ammons to PDC

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of David Ammons to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. Ammons, who resides in Olympia, was the longest-serving capitol reporter in state history, much of it as president of the press corps.

Ammons was a reporter, columnist and editor for The Associated Press from 1970-2008, covering Washington state government and politics, and breaking news for AP member newspapers and TV and radio stations. He also served as analyst for TV and radio and wrote a statewide column, “Ammons on Politics.” From 2003-2008 he was the on-air host of TVW’s weekly hour-long interview show with Washington newsmakers, “Inside Olympia.”

In 2014, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) found the Food Democracy Action! (FDA) and Food Democracy Action! Yes on I-522 (FDA-WA State PAC) had committed multiple apparent violations of RCW 42.17A and referred the matter to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for appropriate action.

November 21, 2016, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Gary Tabor ruled that as a result of their violations of state campaign finance disclosure laws, Food Democracy Action! (FDA) must pay a $319,281 penalty (for concealment and late reporting), $2,895.16 in investigation costs, plus attorney fees and trial costs to be determined separately.

On June 30, the Public Disclosure Commission released a new online reporting system for lobbyists and their employers.  The new system is a component of the PDC's phased plan to modernize its online presence and provide timelier and more robust public access to information about who lobbies state government, what issues are lobbied, and how much is spent on those efforts.  

Today the Public Disclosure Commission launches a new website that supports its mission to provide timely and meaningful public access to accurate information.  Replacing the website is the first phase of on ongoing project to overhaul and modernize the PDC's online presence.  The next project phase will focus on improving the public database search functions.

The Public Disclosure Commission has appointed Fred Kiga interim executive director to replace Andrea McNamara Doyle who has resigned, effective June 1.

“We appreciate Fred’s willingness to step in and lead the agency while the commission recruits a new, permanent executive director,” said Grant Degginger, Commission Chair.  "Fred's extensive knowledge of state government and his many years of experience leading teams in both the public and private sectors will help make the transition in leadership as smooth as possible."

Retired judges John Bridges and Anne Levinson were recently appointed by Governor Inslee to the Public Disclosure Commission.  PDC Chairman Grant Degginger announced the appointments during the December 4 Commission meeting, saying “We are excited for the opportunity to welcome two new commissioners.  John Bridges and Anne Levinson are exceptionally well-qualified additions and we look forward to working with both of them.” 

Governor Inslee commented, “This can be a difficult job, but I know both John and Anne bring a judicial perspective that will be valuable to the Commission.  Though they have different backgrounds and come from different sides of the Cascades, both bring reputations that are beyond reproach and skills that will serve the voters of Washington well.”