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

Case

#150086

Respondent

Brett Myers

Complainant

Terry Parker, Alyssa Duarte, Mike Curtis

Description

The complaint alleged Sheriff Brett Myers violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using public facilities to support a candidate for public office, specifically Myers’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.

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers appears in the video made to promote Dave Reichert’s 2024 campaign for Washington State Governor. Myers is speaking about his support of Reichert from his county office and is shown in his county-provided uniform.

In response to the complaint, Myers noted they “accept full responsibility for any violation or oversight that may have occurred” and “will take appropriate actions so it does not happen in the future.”

In his response to the PDC, Myers, who has been in office for 22 years, stated his agency does not provide written guidance or training to staff on how to comply with RCW 42.17A.555.

Myers 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), Myers 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