Today I filed a written complaint with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) over an apparent violation of PDC rules. Candidates Brian Brooks, Ben Messinger and Ron Mabry shared campaign expenses for mailed literature and postage. One of their contributors made a loan of $938.98 to each candidate. According to PDC rules, when a candidate files for election using the mini report form (C1), a limit of $500. applies to contributions from any individual. Loans are considered to be contributions.
After consulting with a PDC Political Finance Specialist I was persuaded to file the complaint to clarify this issue. This is only a complaint which will be proven or disproved by a PDC investigation.
A PDC investigation could take up to 90 days for resolution.
Below is the email notice I sent to the three candidates.
Brian, Ben and Ron,
I must inform you that based on information from your campaign finance records I will file a complaint with the PDC to clarify your acceptance of loans from Ty Haberling. Please understand this is not personal.
Although I supported your opponents and Ron for school board I accept that the community has chosen the three of you to represent community interests as school board members. I respect your commitment to public education and willingness to volunteer to serve our community knowing there will be challenges for schools. My hope is to establish a practical relationship with you which will enable you to inform Kennewick citizens through KSD Citizens.org publications.
My intent is to bring clarity to all issues affecting school board policy, policy making and the makers of school board policy.
Resolving questions about campaign protocol is important to creating trust.
I look forward to reporting many positive developments in Kennewick School District these next 4 years and believe your future decisions will be critical to making that happen.
Thank you for your cooperation providing campaign finance documents.
Tom
For information about campaign finances of the three candidates go to this link:
http://ksdcitizens.org/2011/12/07/the-cost-to-run-for-kennewick-school-board/#more-2556
