County sheriff’s race: Election violations by Fortney alleged

Published 1:30 am Friday, November 3, 2023

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the campaign finance and disclosure laws in our state. It investigates and publishes all enforcement cases online for public review atwww.pdc.wa.gov. It should also be noted they offer help and support to campaigns.

Sheriff Adam Fortney, despite this being his second time running for office, is still having trouble following these laws and has trouble reporting his funds. He is currently on his third campaign treasurer this campaign.

Sheriff Fortney has PDC sustained violations as he received a “reminder” to not use his public office to assist with his election campaign, and received a “written warning” concerning the failure to disclose contributions and expenditures within timelines.

Alleged current PDC violations being investigated include transactions he has already received a warning about. He continues to use the public office to assist with the election as well as an alleged violation of timely expense reporting regarding campaign signs. (It appears that he has not been paying for all of the signs you see everywhere.) It is also alleged he didn’t return contributions received over the contribution limit, as well as changing the contributors’ personal information; which makes it look like a different person made the contribution.

These are examples of how Sheriff Fortney acts as if he is above the law. Also, if he can’t handle the finances of his campaign, how do we expect him to handle the Sheriff’s Office finances of over $100 million?

Karen Guzak

Snohomish