Pete Von Reichbauer: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#175722

Respondent

Pete Von Reichbauer

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of a complaint filed with the PDC.

Applicable Laws and Rules
Per RCW 42.17A.235 and .240, a candidate that selects the Full Reporting option on their registration report is required to report contributions and expenditures to the PDC on Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235 & RCW 42.17A.240. The due dates for these reports are based upon the election cycle, the candidate's election participation, and their financial activity.

Pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240(7), expenditures are disclosed on C-4 reports, which must include, but are not limited to: 1) the name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was made in the aggregate of more than $750 during the period covered by the report; 2) the amount, date, and purpose of each expenditure; and 3) the total sum of all expenditures. Purpose details should state the goods or services provided by the vendor, including the number of items purchased, identify any candidates or ballot propositions supported or opposed by the expenditure, and the name & address of any sub-vendors used. For advertising expenditures, campaigns should describe the type and number of ads, where they appeared or were broadcast, and when (e.g. run dates). An in-kind contribution is disclosed like an expenditure on the PDC’s Online Reporting of Campaign Activity (ORCA) software.

​Background and Findings

The Respondent is a candidate for a member position on the King County Council and filed a Candidate Registration (C-1) on February 15, 2025, for the Full Reporting option.
The three C-3 reports identified in the complaint were filed late.  The aggregate amount of contributions reported in these three reports is less than $7000.  Two of the reports were filed within 21 days of the due date.  One report was filed 30 days late, but 21 days or more before the election, and was for a single contribution of $500.
The Respondent does not have prior Warnings or Violations for similar PDC requirements.

Summary and Resolution
Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the Respondent appears to have violated RCW 42.17A. After consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37-070, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the Commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. 

Based on this, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d). PDC reminded the Respondent about the importance of timely reporting. They are expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 15, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

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