PDC announces transition of Executive Director and names new Assistant Director
OLYMPIA –
The Public Disclosure Commission announced today that its Executive Director, Evelyn Fielding Lopez, will be leaving in May to pursue other interests.
Mar 15, 2020 11:00am - Alert: PDC office closed to public: staff are working remotely
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March 28, 2017
February 9, 2017
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.”
February 2, 2017
The Public Disclosure Commission is seeking public comment on a **draft** interpretation regarding Seattle Democracy Vouchers.
Background:
In November 2015, Seattle voters approved I-222, which, among other things, adopted a Democracy Voucher Program to be administered by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC). Under the Democracy Voucher Program, eligible Seattle residents will receive four $25 campaign contribution vouchers, and residents may give one or more voucher to any eligible candidate. Candidates who qualify to participate in the program will be able to convert each $25.00 voucher into a $25.00 campaign contribution and may use the money to finance selected campaign activities.
November 22, 2016
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.
November 3, 2016
The Grocery Manufacturers Association was ordered to pay $18 million, the largest campaign finance penalty in US history.
Anne Levinson, chair of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, which enforces our state’s campaign expenditure and disclosure laws, praised the decision: “The Court’s ruling is a major victory for the integrity of elections in our state. The PDC and the Attorney General will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action whenever there is an attempt to conceal campaign donors.”
The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) was created and empowered by Initiative of the People to ensure compliance with and equitable enforcement of Washington's disclosure and campaign finance laws. PDC Executive Director Evelyn Fielding Lopez added, “If you are going to engage in politics in Washington, you need to play by Washington’s rules”
July 1, 2016
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.
June 23, 2016
Judge Anne Levinson (ret.) of Seattle and Judge John Bridges (ret.) of Malaga were elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission, effective July 1. The Chair is chosen annually by fellow commissioners, and presides over commission meetings and enforcement matters.
“As Chair, I want to ensure the PDC continually works to provide timelier and more robust public access to campaign finance information, resolve complaints more quickly, and strengthen enforcement,” stated Levinson.
April 11, 2016
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.
September 22, 2015
The Public Disclosure Commission has appointed Tacoma attorney Evelyn Fielding Lopez to the position of Executive Director, effective October 1, 2015.
A former assistant attorney general, Lopez served in various management roles in the Attorney General’s Office, most recently as the Chief of the AGO’s Labor & Industries Division from 2005 to 2014.
“Ms. Lopez brings to the Commission an ideal mix of proven strategic and visionary leadership, a history of collaboration, and integrity,” stated Katrina Asay, Commission chair.
May 26, 2015
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."
April 8, 2015
Andrea McNamara Doyle, Executive Director of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, has announced her resignation, effective May 31, 2015.
“I would like to thank Andrea for her excellent leadership,” said Grant Degginger, Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission. “Under her management, the Commission has continued to fulfill its mission with fewer resources while at the same time developing an innovative plan to improve customer service through strategic investments in new technology. She has inspired innovation throughout the agency.”
April 8, 2015
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.”
May 17, 2012
The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission today added lobbying data to its online searchable database.
Lobbyist disclosure was enacted through the passage of I-276 in 1972. Paid lobbyists register with the Public Disclosure Commission before lobbying state government and file monthly reports disclosing their compensation, entertainment expenses, campaign contributions given, and other lobbying-related expenditures. State and local public agencies disclose their lobbying-related expenses on quarterly reports.
The new feature gives the better access to private sector and public agency lobbying data, including the ability to perform custom searches. Enhanced features include:
Take the survey
The Public Disclosure Commission has been actively working to improve access to disclosure data. You can help by taking a quick, 5 minute survey to help us understand how you utilize our current search tools.
This work is part of the PDC's Next Generation Data Access Project which recently resulted in the publishing of 5 million records on the Washington State Open Data Portal.
PDC conference on digital ads prompts talk of next steps
Commission members recapped what they learned during a Jan. 16 public forum on digital political advertising, “Big Data, Big Dollars: Shining Light on Digital Political Advertising.” The Olympia event featured academic and industry experts from around the country. It drew an audience of dozens to the forum and another 150 viewers who watched the event live on TVW.
Commission Chairman David Ammons said the forum helped educate the Commission on best practices surrounding the regulation of digital political advertising. It also allowed them to meet with their counterparts from California’s Fair Political Practices Commission.