Readers, as you may be aware, I can share now that Future 42 is now formally facing Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) investigation of campaign finance violations. This means that some of my concerns have merit and that those concerns are being formally investigated by staff.
Reviewing the PDC Enforcement Guide, it’s almost certain this case will be referred to the Commission and Executive Director for action. The PDC likes to screen cases early before going to formal investigation. Once the formal investigation is complete, a menu of options is before the PDC and its staff - and the logical prediction is to expect further news in the September-October timeframe on a case as serious as this. One can only hope that Future 42 will come clean and in the future, err on the side of disclosure.
You may also have noticed that Mrs. Brandi Kruse has turned down the temperature since her March outburst, somewhat. Honor to respond proportionately, responsibly against a threat to our state legislative press gallery.
I am also hopeful this PDC process will either clear Mrs. Kruse’s name or the validity of the charges against her without a doubt. We deserve justice, not vengeance or witch-hunts. The PDC, which regulates lobbyists and does sanction unreported lobbying, is the proper venue to address serious allegations filed in federal courts (example 1, example 2) by two high ranking Washington State parliamentarians that Mrs. Kruse is a lobbyist. So this is very much about justice and protocol.
Both concerns are what set off OPERATION ROARING WASHINGTONIAN. We have a PDC that right now is deep in the playoffs, playing to win and show consistency, relevancy and tenacity. Adjudicating each case without fear or favor, understanding that when the big cases come it’s important to work to a standard.
Additionally, I am concerned that the Choe-Hoffman-Kruse press pass case may lead to more lobbyist access to state legislators. That’s not a good thing…
I will also add that the lack of ample grassroots lobbying disclosure by Future 42, an increasing ream of documentation that now includes the signature gathering part of IP26-645. The Washington State Constitution that forbids a state income tax is equally clear that initiatives to the people are considered part of our state legislature. Two wrongs don’t make a right, nor do three.
In conclusion, I quote Joe Biden to you,
“We’re living in an era where a determined minority is doing everything in its power to try to destroy our democracy for their own agenda. The American people know it, and they’re standing bravely in the breach. … You can’t love your country only when you win.”
We’re at a time for choosing with dark forces trying to see what they can hide. Well, this is the state of Heather “Newsbrooke” Brooke, Ph.D. and some of us are committed to living up to that standard.