Gretl Crawford: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for using public office/agency facilities (resources) to support a ballot measure. (EY24 SEP24)

Case

#159389

Respondent

Gretl Crawford

Complainant

Don Britain

Description

This case alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for using public office/agency facilities (resources) to support a ballot measure (Initiative 2066). Specifically, the complaint alleged that Mayor Gretl Crawford made comments at a Kennewick City Council Workshop Meeting in support of an upcoming ballot proposition.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes and rules; the response provided by Gretl Crawford (the “Respondent”); and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on the attached findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, the Respondent’s use of public facilities to promote a ballot proposition does not appear to be a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Gretl Crawford received a formal written warning concerning her use of a Kennewick City Council Workshop Meeting to promote a ballot proposition. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that Gretl Crawford does not use public office-related facilities (resources) when expressing her personal views concerning supporting or opposing any candidate or ballot proposition, in accordance with WAC 390-05-271 except for the activities that are specifically permitted under .555(1), (2) and (3). The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

We also urged the Respondent to review the PDC’s guidelines concerning the use of public facilities to prevent future activity that could violate RCW 42.17A.555 and reach out to PDC staff before using facilities if she is in doubt about whether an activity is permitted.

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).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

September 17, 2024

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.45.010/42.17A.555

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B