Poirier, Mike: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide proper sponsor Identification on campaign advertisements (EY23, OCT23)

Case

#144278

Respondent

Mike Poirier

Complainant

James McLaughlin

Description

On October 24 and October 31, 2023, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) staff received complaints alleging that Mike Poirier, an incumbent council member and candidate for the position of mayor in the City of Wenatchee in the 2023 election year, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to disclose sponsor identification on political advertisement.    

PDC staff reviewed the allegation(s)/complaints and noted that shortly before the 2023 general election, Mike Poirier’s Campaign created and presented campaign political advertisings to the public that failed to include sponsor identification language required by the statutory scheme – “Paid for by” or “Sponsored by,” including the name and full address of the sponsor. 

While our review found that the Respondent in this matter failed to include sponsor identification on his campaign related advertisement, it was an inadvertent error on his part and/or his campaign. 

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), staff issued a formal written warning to the Respondent concerning the failure to include sponsor identification on political advertisements.  

Accordingly, the PDC dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

October 30, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

• 144278 Mike Poirier Complaint.pdf
• 144278 Poirier Mike Complaint Disposition Letter .pdf
• 144278 Poirier, Mike Complaint Response .pdf