Merkel, Albert: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately disclose contributions & expenditures reports (EY19 & EY23; Feb24)

Case

#149149

Respondent

Albert Merkel

Complainant

Nancy Miller

Description

On February 11, 2024, the Public Disclosure Commission received a complaint alleging that Albert Merkel (Respondent), a candidate for the office of City Council Member in the City of Spokane Valley in 2019, 2021 and 2023, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately file contribution and expenditure reports, as required by law.  

PDC staff reviewed the allegations/complaint and determined that the Respondent failed to timely file contributions and expenditures reports. As a candidate registered with the PDC under the Full Reporting option, the Respondent was required to file timely C-3 and C-4 reports for a candidate who appeared in the general in 2023 election cycle. The Respondent was also required to file a post-general election and end of election cycle C-4 reports. 

Regarding the 2021 election cycle, staff noted that while the Respondent filed a Candidate Registration (C-1 report) with the PDC as a candidate in 2021, he did not raise or spend any money and/or participate in the election. Staff further noted that the Respondent’s 2023 campaign only raised $610. 

Based on the above determination, the PDC staff issued a formal warning letter to the Respondent in this matter and dismissed the complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17.755(1). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

February 22, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 149149 Merkel Albert Complaint Disposition Letter....pdf
• 149149 Merkel Al Complaint.pdf
• 149149 Merkel Albert Complaint Response.pdf