Mike Massey: Alleged violation RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to report contributions and expenditures (OCT24 EY24)

Case

#162597

Respondent

Mike Massey

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on October 14, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to report contributions and expenditures.
Background & Findings

• Mike Massey filed a Candidate Registration declaring their candidacy for Public Utility Commissioner in Benton County PUD 1, selecting the Full Reporting Option.

• A complaint was filed alleging the failure to provide required detail for a political advertising expenditure, as required by WAC 390-16-037.

• RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.

• RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.

• On January 27, 2025 the respondent amended their report covering August 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024 to reflect the missing expenditure details.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, any violation that may have occurred was minor and has been cured. After consideration of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of RCW 42.17A, the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37- 060, 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.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, you are receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to properly report expenditure details. Staff expect that you will accurately file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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

Any allegations regarding reporting by you for the 2024 campaign that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

November 20, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 162597 Mike Massey Resolution Letter.pdf
• 162597 Mike Massey Complaint.pdf