Jennifer Senescu: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for use of public facilities or resources for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure (EY25 APR25)

Case

#170564

Respondent

Jennifer Senescu

Complainant

Tammy Weisman

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Tammy Weisman on April 10, 2025. The complaint alleged a violation of: RCW 42.17A.555 for use of public facilities or resources for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure.
 

Applicable Laws and Rules
RCW 42.17A.555 prohibits elected or appointed officials, their employees, and employees of a public office or agency from using, or authorizing the use of, public office/agency facilities (resources), directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting an election campaign or for the promotion of, or opposition to, any ballot proposition.  RCW 42.17A.555(2) makes an exception when an elected official makes a statement in support of or in opposition to a ballot proposition in response to a specific inquiry.
 

Background and Findings
• Ms. Senescu holds office as an elected Council Member of the City of Camas, for the 3rd Ward, Position 1.
• Proposition 1, titled Creation of Camas-Washougal Regional Fire Protection Service Authority, was voted on by the City of Camas Council and placed on the ballot for the special election held on April 22, 2025. Voters did not pass Proposition 1.
• Council Member Senescu and other members of the City of Camas Council held a town hall meeting on March 25, 2025, at the Camas Library. In their response, Council Member Senescu indicated the intent of the meeting was to offer an opportunity for dialogue between the people and their elected officials. There was no formal agenda for the meeting, but a poll was taken that informed the topics discussed. One of the topics intended for discussion was Proposition 1.
• During the discussion at the town hall about Proposition 1, Council Member Senescu confirmed her vote to put the proposition on the ballot for voters to decide, and she also stated that she, “as a citizen, was not in favor” of the Regional Fire Protection Service Authority (RFA).
• In response to the complaint Council Member Senescu stated:
“I hope that my impact was to inform people that the RFA is a separate taxing entity and share facts. The Fire Chief and another councilmember in attendance did a good job of pointing out the pros of an RFA, but no cons were presented. My comments were less than 30 seconds in length. I was there to listen to people and provide information.”
• The town hall meeting was not recorded so PDC staff inquired of other persons in attendance at the town hall and they confirmed your statements during the meeting. As well, these people also indicated their understanding of the situation to include their belief that you and other members of the council were asked to share your opinion about the RFA. PDC staff learned that other members of the council also made statements about the RFA during this discussion.
• Council Member Senescu does not have similar previous warnings or violations of PDC requirements.
 

Summary and Resolution
The available evidence, and that it is a permissible activity for an elected official to respond to a direct inquiry, does not support a finding that Council Member Senescu violated RCW 42.17A.555 in this instance.
PDC staff is reminding Council Member Senescu about the prohibition on the use of public facilities to support or oppose any ballot proposition. The town hall format is considered a more casual environment for dialogue between elected officials and the public but as an elected official there is no time when said elected official would be considered a citizen participant at the meeting. While the tone of conversation may be casual, an elected official still speaks with the gravity and authority of their office.
 

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

April 16, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 170564 Jennifer Senescu Complaint.pdf
• 170564 Jennifer Senescu Response.pdf
• 170564 Jennifer Senescu Dismissal Letter.pdf