Nowels, John: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.555 for misuse of public facilities to support a candidate in a video (EY24, FEB24)

Case

#150085

Respondent

John Nowels

Complainant

Terry Parker, Alyssa Duarte, Mike Curtis

Description

The complaint alleged Sheriff John Nowels violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using public facilities to support a candidate for public office, specifically Nowels’s use of public facilities while participating in a video supporting Dave Reichert’s 2024 campaign for Washington State Governor.

PDC staff reviewed the allegation listed in the complaint; the information submitted with the complaint; the relevant statute(s) and rules; the response to the complaint; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels appears in the video made to promote Dave Reichert’s 2024 campaign for Washington State Governor. Nowels is speaking about his support of Reichert from his county office and is shown in uniform. Nowels stated in response to the complaint that he “personally own every part of the uniform displayed in that video” and “was using my personal phone and my privately paid cellular service” when recording the video.

In his response to the complaint, Nowels also stated he “did record the video inside my private office inside the Spokane County Public Safety Building,” although he “attempted to ensure that all of the plaques and memorabilia in the backdrop were all owned by me, and there was nothing in the backdrop that indicated it was county property or a government office.”

Nowels does not have other similar warnings or violations of PDC requirements.

Based on the above review, the staff has determined that, in this instance, the circumstances do not support a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation. However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Nowels will receive a formal written warning concerning the use of public facilities/resources to support a political candidate. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff finds that no further action is warranted in this matter and has dismissed your complaints in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1)(a).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

March 14, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555