Martin, Kathleen: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (OCT'23, EY19)

Case

#144505

Respondent

Kathleen Martin

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on October 26, 2023. The complaint alleged that Kathleen Martin, a candidate for Seattle City Council, Position 6 in the 2019 election, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing expenditures undertaken by the Campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by the Respondent; the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the expenditure error disclosed on the initial submission of the May 2019 C-4 report late reporting was a data entry error as supported by the amendment submitted later the same day. Although staff found that the accurate report was submitted one day late, the correction was available several weeks prior to the 2019 primary election. Staff found no evidence that the reporting error was intentionally made to conceal campaign activity from the public.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely and accurately file the May 2019 C-4 report for the 2019 Kathleen Martin Campaign does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Kathleen Martin will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclose expenditures for her 2019 Campaign. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Ms. Martin timely and accurately files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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

November 02, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 144505 Martin Kathleen Complaint.pdf
• 144505 Martin Kathleen Response.pdf
• 144505 Martin Kathleen Warning - Respondent.pdf