Wirsching, Sam: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.205, .235, .240, &.700 for failure to file a Campaign Finance Registration (C-1), timely & accurately file contribution & expenditure reports & Personal Financial Affairs Disclosure (F-1) (AUG'23, EY'19)

Case

#141820

Respondent

Sam Wirsching

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

• Allegation 1: Violation of RCW 42.17A.205 for failure to file a Campaign Finance Registration (C-1)
• Allegation 2: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely & accurately file contribution & expenditure reports 
• Allegation 3: Violation of RCW 42.17A.700 for timely & accurately file the Personal Financial Affairs Disclosure (F-1) covering the 12 months prior to becoming a candidate

The PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into these allegations or taking further enforcement action in this matter.  

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the Respondent received a formal warning concerning his failure to timely file a candidate registration, contribution and expenditure reports, and the Personal Financial Affairs Statement. Staff expects the Respondent to timely file all future required reports associated with being a candidate for public office under the PDC’s jurisdiction. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. Relevant facts include:

• Sam Wirsching was a 2019 candidate for Snohomish County Fire District 7 Commissioner, Position 4, who lost in the August 6 Primary election. Mr. Wirsching has not been a candidate before or after his 2019 candidacy.
• Eric Halvorson, Northshore Tax, Accounting, and Compliance Services responded on behalf of Mr. Wirsching. Mr. Halvorson provided factual information about what was raised and spent, including an invoice for the one campaign expenditure. He acknowledged the missing reports, noting that Mr. Wirsching was likely unaware of his filing requirements. 
• On November 29, 2023, PDC staff held an Initial Hearing (Case Status Review), which opened a formal investigation into the allegations. Mr. Halvorson participated in the Initial Hearing on behalf of Mr. Wirsching.
• PDC staff did not conduct enforcement for 2019 candidates or otherwise notify Mr. Wirsching of his filing requirements and missing reports at the time the reports were due.
• Mr. Wirsching received one contribution of $950 on or about August 5, 2019 from IAFF Local 2781 PAC and contributed $155.03 of his own money to pay Capitol City Press $1,105.03 for 100 yard signs, one 48 x 24 sign, and four 96 x 48 signs.
• Upon receipt of the complaint, PDC staff began working with Mr. Halvorson to file the missing reports on behalf of Mr. Wirsching. The candidate registration was filed June 6, 2024, the contribution and expenditure reports were filed June 12, 2024, and the Personal Financial Affairs Statement was filed June 20, 2024.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

September 05, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.700

Documents

• 141820 Initial Hearing Results - Respondent.pdf
• 141820 Response to Complaint.pdf
• 141820 Sam Wirsching Complaint.pdf
• 141820 Initial Hearing Results - Complainant.pdf
• 141820 Combined Case Closure Letter.pdf