Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
Attorney: 'Politically motived investigation' sought to discredit auditor
PASCO - Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a "politically motivated investigation."
Attorney Scott W. Johnson of Johnson & Orr in Richland confirmed in a press release Sept. 6 that Snohomish County Special Prosecutor Elise Deschenes rendered an independent decision finding no violation of the law.
Records show the investigation was launched by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in coordination with Mike Gonzalez, who previously served as Franklin County administrator.
Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton
Gonzalez resigned in June to become Sunnyside city manager. At the time he resigned, questions had been raised by Beaton and other Franklin County officials about his practices in spending taxpayer money. Specifically, Beaton raised questions about Gonzalez's move to pay Simmons Venue Management $12,500 outside of the regular county payment process.
The company was managing the Trade, Recreation and Agricultural Center - now called the HAPO Center - at the time.
Franklin County Commissioners, who initially agreed to make payment, found credence in Beaton's financial review and withheld disbursement.
After the decision, Gonzalez filed a complaint against Beaton, and County Commissioner Rocky Mullen.
Details of the investigation were "sealed under false pretenses to allow members of the Franklin County government to use their authority and discretion to assemble half-truths and outright lies to assemble their false narrative" against Beaton, Johnson wrote, noting the sealed information was then leaked to the media during election filing week in an attempt to influence the election.
"These false allegations are fueled by ego and abuse of power," Beaton said at the time.
According to Beaton, it is the job of county auditors to provide a check-and-balance on the purse strings entrusted by voters to public employees and elected officials.
"Mr. Beaton took an oath to be faithful to the people of Franklin County," Johnson wrote. "As such, he is unwavering in his commitment to carry out his duties as auditor on behalf of the people, regardless of any attempt by anyone to harass or intimidate him.
"Justice has prevailed."
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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