Svilarich, John: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failing to provide proper sponsor identification on campaign advertisement. (OCT23, EY23)

Case

#144568

Respondent

John Svilarich

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

On October 27, 2023, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) staff received a complaint alleging that John Svilarich, a candidate for City of Camas council member, Position 1, in the 2023 election year, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to disclose sponsor identification on political advertisement.    

PDC staff reviewed the allegation(s)/complaints and noted that on/or about early October 2023, John Svilarich’s Campaign (Respondent) created and presented campaign political advertisings to the public that failed to include sponsor identification language required by the statutory scheme – “Paid for by” or “Sponsored by,” including the name and full address of the sponsor. 

While our review found that the Respondent in this matter failed to include sponsor identification on his campaign related advertisement, it was an inadvertent error on his part and/or his campaign. Respondent took responsibility and noted in his response to the complaint that: “This was the first mailer I have ever done for anything. I mistakenly assumed that it was like yard signs and other materials meaning if it was prominently clear who was behind it, that was disclosure.” 

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), staff issued a formal written warning to the Respondent concerning the failure to include sponsor identification on political advertisement during the 2023 election year.  

Accordingly, the PDC 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.320

Documents

• 144568 Svilarich, John Complaint Disposition Letter....pdf
• 144568 Svilarich, John Complaint Response.pdf
• 144568 Svilarich John Complaint.pdf