This 2002 Washington State Public Disclosure Commission case involves Don Wasson, a Des Moines City Council member, who allegedly helped orchestrate and fund campaign activities — including advocacy phone calls and a political poll — to elect three candidates (Benjamin, Petersen, and Steenrod) to the Des Moines City Council in 2001. The elections were closely tied to a dispute over the WESCOT Company's proposed conveyor system to transport fill material for a planned third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which the existing Council had opposed. Wasson, who reportedly wanted to shift the Council's policies on airport expansion and become Mayor, faced charges of violating Washington's campaign finance reporting laws.Open full document
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The Public Disclosure Commission of Washington State filed administrative charges against Don Wasson, an incumbent Des Moines City Council member, related to alleged violations of the Public Disclosure Act during the 2001 Des Moines City Council elections. The case originated from complaints by David Kaplan and Stanley M. Scarvie alleging unreported in-kind contributions in the form of advocacy calls and a political sampling poll benefiting candidates Benjamin, Petersen, and Steenrod. Wasson, who admitted to recruiting and supporting these candidates, was added as a respondent after PDC staff determined his activities may have triggered reporting requirements under Chapter 42.17 RCW.