#105472
Ozzie Knezovich
James Paul Dillon
Pursuant to the notice of brief enforcement hearing (brief adjudicative proceeding) sent to Ozzie Knezovich on October 27, 2022, a brief adjudicative proceeding was held on November 17, 2022, remotely from Olympia, WA by live audio and online transmission. The purpose of the hearing was to consider whether the Respondent violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.555 by using the public facilities of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to oppose Amber Waldref, a candidate for Spokane County Commissioner in the 2022 election; and (2) RCW 42.17A.635(2) for engaging in prohibited indirect lobbying by encouraging members of the public to contact legislators regarding legislative changes.
The hearing was held in accordance with Chapters 34.05 RCW, 42.17A RCW and Chapter 390-37 WAC. Commissioner Fred Jarrett was the Presiding Officer. The Commission staff was represented by Compliance Officer Jennifer Hansen. The Respondent did not participate in the hearing or submit any written materials.
Based on the above facts, as a matter of law, the Presiding Officer concludes as follows:
1.This matter was duly and properly convened, and all jurisdictional, substantive, and procedural requirements have been satisfied.
2. The Respondent violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.555 by using the public facilities of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to oppose Amber Waldref, a candidate for Spokane County Commissioner in the 2022 election; and (2) RCW 42.17A.635(2) for engaging in prohibited indirect lobbying by encouraging members of the public to contact legislators regarding legislative changes.
ON the basis of the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,
1. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Respondent is assessed a total civil penalty of $300, in accordance with the Brief Enforcement penalty schedule set forth in WAC 390-37-143.
2. It is further ordered that $100 of the $300 penalty is suspended on the following conditions:
a. The Respondent submits the signed Statement of Understanding (SOU) acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.555 and RCW 42.17A.635(2) within 30 days of the date of this Order.
b. The Respondent pays the $200 non-suspended civil penalty within 30 days of the date of this Order.
a. It is further ordered that, if the Respondent fails to comply with any of the above conditions the full $300 penalty shall immediately become due without further action by the Commission and PDC Staff is directed to refer the matter to collections and/or commence other legal proceedings as authorized by RCW 42.17A and 390 WAC.
Violation Found by Commission
March 15, 2022
RCW 42.17A.555, RCW 42.17A.635
Total penalties: $300
Balance Due: $200
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