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#160532
Maggie Yates
Conner Edwards
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on August 13, 2024. The complaint alleged that Maggie Yates, a candidate for Spokane County Commissioner in 2022, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the campaign.
PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence you submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Maggie Yates (the “Respondent”); the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.
It appears that the late reporting of the 2022 Yates Campaign was due to an oversight and not done to purposely conceal campaign activities from the public. Additionally, PDC staff encourages self-reporting even at the risk of a complaint, as was done in this case (with a complaint being filed the same day as the reports were submitted).
After consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37-070, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the Commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted.
Maggie Yates completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) and paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to timely and accurately file the Post General Election C-4 report during the 2022 election.
In addition, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Maggie Yates will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclosure of all contributions received. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Maggie Yates timely files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The $150 penalty assessed, and the written warning resolves the allegations listed in your complaint.
Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).
Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)
October 14, 2024
RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240
Total penalties: $150
Balance Due: $0
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