A reader asked recently about the revocation of Shoreline City Councilman Ron Hansen’s license as a certified public accountant. The 32nd District Democrats, who have endorsed Hansen’s opponent in the coming election, raised this issue when the Seattle Municipal League rated Hansen “very good” last summer.
Here’s what the state Board of Accountancy Web site shows and Hansen’s responses:
Board Web site: Revocation of CPA certificate.
Hansen’s response: “This action commenced in 2002 and the final settlement occurred in 2009 while we waited to see if there was going to be any legal action.
“There was no legal action, I did not care to be a CPA due to a change in my practice, and I had not practiced as one for almost eight years. I did not contest the allegations to the WSBA in a hearing. At a subsequent action before the IRS, I did submit my documentation and they dismissed their action.”
Board Web site: (Hansen) borrowed money from estate funds for personal use without authorization.
Hansen’s response: “I did not borrow funds for personal use. I loaned some funds to an entity in which I had a 20 percent interest. I believe I was authorized to do so. Interest was paid at 6 percent, while the savings portion drew 4 percent. The estate made a profit. I was prepared to go to court to defend myself on this issue, but the client never took it to court. From time to time, I had made advances to the client, and they had placed money in my hands to manage. They received their funds back or received an accounting for the bills paid on their behalf. At times I was a lender and at other times I managed funds for them.”
Board Web site: (Hansen) failed to provide a timely accounting of an estate.
Hansen’s response: “The accounting was made but it was not timely. The client contributed to the untimeliness by not supplying necessary materials, and, after the dispute started, tying up bank records required to complete the accounting. At my last meeting with the client’s accountants in September 2002, they agreed they had received everything they needed.”
Board Web site: (Hansen) failed to comply with a court order
Hansen’s response: “All court orders were complied with but not on a timely basis. The court did agree with the client on this, and I paid the fine determined by the court. I chose not to appeal, as the amounts involved were minor.”
Board Web site: (Hansen) continued his association of the CPA title.
Hansen’s response: “Some organizations listed me as a CPA on the Internet totally without my authorization.”
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@verizon.net.
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