Melanie Bacon: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY24 JUN24)

Case

#156304

Respondent

Melanie Bacon

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

• The Respondent filed a Candidate Registration on July 20, 2023, for the Full Reporting option.  A Declaration of Candidacy was filed on May 9, 2024.  The Respondent is a current County Commissioner for Island County and was on the 2024 Primary Election ballot. 
• PDC staff reviewed the reports alleged to have been filed late and confirmed the reports were filed late as indicated in your complaint.  In the Respondent’s response to the first complaint, she acknowledged that early in her campaign there was late filing of reports and took responsibility for the late reporting. 
• For the allegation of missing expenditure details on C4 110217560, the report was amended on September 13, 2024, with the required information.
• For the allegation that the first C-4 report starting the campaign showed a $0 starting balance, this allegation is confirmed.  The report was amended on July 18, 2024, to reflect a corrected carry forward balance from the 2020 campaign.  The Respondent accepted responsibility for the error in reporting.
• Staff do note there are many late filed C-3 and C-4 reports, throughout the campaign, not called out in your complaints.  However, the pre-primary 21-day C-4 and the 7-day C-4, and the post-election C-4 reports were filed timely.  
• The Respondent does not have previous warnings or violations of similar PDC requirements.

Summary and Resolution

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Melanie Bacon will receive a formal written warning concerning their to failure to comply with the filing requirements noted above. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Melanie Bacon timely files 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.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

July 08, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 156304 Melanie Bacon Complaint.pdf
• 156304 Bacon_Melanie Response.pdf
• 156304 Melanie Bacon Supplemental Complaint.pdf
• 156304 Bacon_Melanie Complaint Return Letter (combined).pdf