Michael Lilliquist: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY25 JUL24)

Case

#161044

Respondent

Michael Lilliquist

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

  • Allegation: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements for a 2024 candidate under the Full Reporting option; the applicable Summary Full Campaign Contributions (C-3 reports) and Expenditures Reports (C-4 reports) filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations. Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

• On March 3, 2022, Michael Lilliquist filed a Candidate Registration declaring their candidacy for City Council in the City of Bellingham in election year 2024, selecting the Full Reporting Option.

• A complaint was filed alleging late filed C-3 (contribution) reports, and missing C-4 (expenditure) reports.

• RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.

• RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.

• The respondent has filed 11 C-3 report and 15 C-4 reports for the time period between March 3, 2022 and December 1, 2024, disclosing the candidate having raised $3,598.79, and spent $291.48.

• A number of these reports were filed significantly late, however these late reports generally disclosed minimal activity and were filed well before the election period.

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, Michael Lilliquist will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclosure of all contribution and expenditures. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Michael Lilliquist 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

October 23, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

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