Hugo Garcia: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for improper use of public facilities or resources for the purpose of supporting or opposing a ballot measure or candidate (CY25 FEB25)  

Case

#167604

Respondent

Hugo Garcia

Complainant

Siva Pothan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Siva Pothan on February 19, 2025. The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.555 for improper use of public facilities or resources for the purpose of supporting a measure.

It appears that the message to vote in support of Burien’s Initiative Measure No. 1 was only posted to the Respondent’s personal Facebook page. Further, the Respondent purposely waited to post any additional information regarding the outcome of the February 11, 2025, election until after ballots could no longer be cast.

PDC staff is reminding the Respondent about the general prohibition against the use of public facilities or resources to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure. It is staff’s opinion that the posts Garcia made regarding support of a local initiative to his councilmember Facebook page were not a violation in this instance only because they were posted after the date of the election. Staff expects the Respondent to adhere to PDC statutes and rules regarding the use of public facilities in the future.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Assessment of Facts

Date Opened

February 26, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 167604 Hugo Garcia Response.pdf
• 167604 Hugo Garcia.pdf
• 167604 Hugo Garcia Reminder.pdf