7-3-2003
Kitsap elected officials issue
disclosure penalties at hearing

Vice-Chair of the Public Disclosure Commission, Susan Brady, found 79 elected and seven appointed officials in violation of state Public Disclosure laws during brief enforcement hearings held recently in Olympia.

Under state law, elected officials and certain state appointed officials are required to file an annual Personal Financial Affairs Statement with the Public Disclosure Commission by April 15 to report financial activity for the preceding year.

“Voters take this law very seriously and expect elected officials to take it seriously as well,” Brady said. “Regardless of whether the elected position has a salary or is considered voluntary, public officials must disclose their financial affairs.”

The governmental officials who were issued a civil penalty had previously been sent two letters asking them to comply with the reporting requirements.

A letter reminding each official of his or her obligation to file was sent on May 7 and another letter with an opportunity to pay a $100 fine and forego an enforcement hearing was sent on May 23.

Officials found in violation at the hearing may appeal the decision to the full, five-member Commission for review of the action taken by the vice-chair.

Government officials from the Kitsap Peninsula who were assessed a penalty at the brief enforcement hearing were:

  • Michael Pollock, Council Member for the City of Bainbridge Island, was found in violation of state law and assessed a civil penalty of $150.
  • Deborah Vancil, Council Member for the City of Bainbridge Island, was found in violation of state law and assessed a civil penalty of $150.
  • Marta Morris, Commissioner for South Kitsap Park and Recreation District, was found in violation of state law and assessed a civil penalty of $150 with $50 suspended if she files her report within the week.
  • Larry Walker, Commissioner for South Kitsap Park and Recreation District, was found in violation of state law and assessed a civil penalty of $300 due to past violations.

   Civil penalties were determined using a standard process that increases depending upon circumstances such as past violations or if reports are filed at the time of the enforcement hearing.