Complaint Opinion 15-01
Date
06/16/2015
Number
2015 - No. 1
Topic
Personal and campaign use of public resources
Respondent
Susan Fagan
Question/Complaint
Did Respondent violate RCW 42.52.160 when she applied for and received reimbursement for alleged legislative travel which did not take place, and did Respondent violate RCW 42.52.180 when she applied for and received reimbursement for travel which was incurred in support of her campaign?
Summary
The answer to both questions is "yes." Use of staff to process improper reimbursement, and acceptance of the reimbursement, for both travel which did not occur or travel which was made in support of a campaign, constituted violations of the Ethics Act as either (1) unlawful private benefit or gain or (2) use of public resources to assist a campaign. Respondent agreed to a stipulation and paid $5,618.29 in costs and reimbursement.