Enforcement

Lobbyist Cody Benson was found to have violated RCW 42.17.170 by filing her August lobbyist report late – her fourth occasion of late filing in 2009.  The Commission assessed a penalty of $750 and suspended the entire amount provided there are no further lobbying-related violations for a 2-year period following Ms. Benson’s engagement as a paid lobbyist.

Will Baker requested that the Commission reconsider the September 3, 2009 brief enforcement hearing order that found him in violation of campaign disclosure law for not timely registering as a 2009 candidate and not timely filing a personal financial affairs statement after he became a candidate for Pierce County Auditor and assessed a penalty of $500.  Additionally, a suspended $300 penalty for not timely filing as a candidate in 2007 was reinstated.  The request for reconsideration was granted.  After Mr. Baker explained why he was not able to participate in the brief enforcement hearing, the Commission suspended the $500 penalty provided there are no further violations of RCW 42.17 for a period of 4 years.  The $300 reinstated penalty from 2007 remains intact.

Rule Making

The Commission reviewed a petition for rulemaking to amend WAC 390-05-290, WAC 390-18-010, and WAC 390-18-025.  The petition will be considered during the December 3 meeting.

A public hearing to consider the possible adoption of WAC 390-37-040, Enforcement procedures – procedures for filing complaints with the commission was canceled in favor of reviewing alternative language for the proposed rule at an upcoming meeting.

Advisory Matters

The Commission discussed whether the Personal Financial Affairs Statements (F-1s) filed by individuals who request reporting modifications should be included with the online meeting materials since F-1s are generally not available online.  The discussion will continue at a future meeting.

Consideration was given to memorializing practical criteria that are used when ruling on requests for reporting modifications of Personal Financial Affairs Statements.  The Commission will consider the matter further at a later meeting.

The Commission adopted an Emergency Procedures policy that sets out core functions and how the staff will continue to deliver core functions during and/or following a catastrophic event. 

Reporting Modifications

The Commission denied the Personal Financial Affairs reporting modification request of J. T. Wilcox, 2010 candidate for State Representative, to not disclose the business and other governmental customers of Wilcox Farms, Inc. of which he is a minority owner and Director.

The Commission meeting materials can be found at www.pdc.wa.gov under Commission Meetings. For additional information concerning these issues contact Lori Anderson, Communications & Training Officer, at (360) 664-2737, toll free 1-877-601-2828 or e-mail at landerson@pdc.wa.gov.