Twitty, Jeannette: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.220(4) by receiving & depositing anonymous over-limit contributions & .240 for failure to report candidate filing fee & accurately describe expenditures. (EY '21; Jul '21)

Case

#95992

Respondent

Jeannette Twitty

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

A complaint was filed against Jeanette Twitty, a candidate for Tacoma Port Commissioner in 2021, alleging that the Jeannette Twitty Campaign (Campaign) may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.220 by receiving & depositing anonymous contributions in excess of the statutory limitations; and (2) RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to disclose the candidate filing fee and provide the required expenditure details on Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports) for political advertisements sponsored by the Campaign. 

On July 5, 2021, the Campaign timely filed a C-3 report listing $1,100 in total contributions had been received and deposited on July 1, 2021.  The C-3 report disclosed a $500 monetary contribution was received from an individual, and a $600 in anonymous monetary contributions had been received on June 29, 2021.

On July 28, 2021, the Campaign filed an amended C-3 report disclosing amended information re-classifying the $600 in anonymous contributions to two contributors that included a $360 monetary contribution, and a $240 monetary contribution.

On July 12, 2021, the Campaign timely filed a C-3 report listing $1,300 in total contributions had been received on July 10, 2021 and deposited on July 12, 2021.  The C-3 report disclosed the receipt of six itemized contributions of more than $25 totaling $900, and $400 in anonymous monetary contributions.

On July 28, 2021, the Campaign filed an amended C-3 report disclosing amended information re-classifying the $400 in anonymous contributions to three contributors that included a $200 monetary contribution, and two $100 monetary contributions.

On July 28, 2021, the Campaign filed an amended C-4 report covering the period May 20 through 31, 2021, disclosing that a $216 in-kind contribution had been received from Ms. Twitty on May 20, 2021 for the candidate filing fee.  

On August 8, 2021, the Campaign filed three amended C-4 reports covering the period May 20 through July 26, 2021, disclosing the required expenditure details for: (1) several expenditures made to Charles Thrower reimbursing him for campaign-related expenses he made for political advertisements using personal funds; and (2) several expenditures made to Xpress Signs for yard signs. 

The Campaign indicated that once Ms. Twitty had “collected the contributor information we were able to update that information away from anonymous contributions” and file the amended C-3 reports with the correct contributor information.  Ms. Twitty was a first-time candidate and upon notification of the reporting discrepancies, her Campaign timely filed amended C-3 and C-4 reports as requested by staff to bring her Campaign back into compliance.

Based on these findings staff has determined, in this instance, the allegations concerning the initial disclosure of anonymous contributions, and the failure to accurately disclose one expenditure and include the proper description for other expenditures, does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation or any enforcement. 

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Jeannette Twitty will receive a formal written warning concerning the incorrect classification of monetary contributions as anonymous contributions, and the failure to timely disclose a Campaign expenditure, and expenditure details as required for political advertising.  The formal written warning includes staff’s expectation that Jeannette Twitty will, in the future, timely and accurately file PDC reports and disclose contributions and expenditures as required by law. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on future Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. 

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

 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

July 21, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.220, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

Subscribe for updates

{{statusMessage}}

To subscribe to this case, enter your email address in the form below and click "Send confirmation link" button. You will be sent a secure link via email that will confirm your subscription.


An email containing a link to confirm your subscription to this case has been sent to {{ email }}.

If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk mail or mail filters.

Send again

{{statusMessage}}