Case Updates
BIG WIN: Whistleblower Suit – Smith v. WSDOT | Motion to Dismiss
We won against the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Financial Management’s (OFM) Motion to Dismiss in Scott Smith’s Whistleblower lawsuit!
CADF Executive Director Jackson Maynard argued against the Motion and the Judge found legal merit in the suit, ruling our favor – thereby ensuring the suit against WSDOT moves forward.
WSDOT is compelled to produce discovery within 30 days.
This ruling is in contrast to the investigation report that WSDOT paid for, and is in line with CADF’s assertion that the government cannot – and should not – punish state employees simply for doing their job.
unDivided Media LLC v. City of Seattle | Depositions Complete, Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment Filed
UPDATE: This month, we wrapped up depositions and filed not only a response to the City’s Motion for Summary Judgment, but a Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment as well. The hearing is slated for July 26, 2024 at 9 a.m.
In case you a need a refresher…
BACKGROUND: On June 6, 2023, Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis voted to reject a proposal by the city attorney to prosecute drug offenses. His vote was contrary to statements he’d made in support of the measure just hours before the vote took place.
On June 21, 2023, in an effort to ascertain whether special interests influenced his vote, Brandi Kruse filed a narrow public records request, seeking text messages, emails, and phone calls to and from the Councilmember over a ten-hour period prior to and after the vote.
The City then withheld the release of those records until after both the primary and general elections, both of which had Andrew Lewis’ name on the ballot. Regardless of whether or not this was politically motivated (as we believe it to be), the City violated the Public Records Act by failing to turn over records in a timely fashion. It’s worth noting that the City also filed a Motion to Dismiss earlier this year, and that too was denied!
CADF v. OFM | Oral Argument: Division II Court of Appeals
UPDATE: On June 13, 2024, we defended our win against Governor Inslee’s Office of Financial Management with the Division II Court of Appeals.
Last year, we won our public records suit against them for violating the public records act – OFM refused to hand over initial offers in collective bargaining negotiations even after the parties had signed agreements.
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Mary Sue Wilson ruled in our favor and shortly after, OFM filed an appeal. Both sides presented their arguments before the judicial panel this past June and we could have a ruling next month or next year – you never know. As soon as we find out, we’ll let you know and fill you all in on next steps!
In Other News…
CADF Presented at the Gig Harbor Republicans Club!
While CADF is a nonpartisan organization, we were invited to come speak to the club about our efforts to protect your constitutional rights, restrain government overreach, and protect free markets. Jackson Maynard presented, answered questions, and as always, made the crowd laugh with a few jokes!
Jackson Maynard Participated in a Panel at the Mainstream Republicans of Washington Conference!
Maia Espinoza moderated the panel – which focused on the redistricting efforts in Washington – with Sam Reed and Nikki Torres speaking alongside Jackson. Each brought their own flair, take, and experience to the table, making this panel incredibly compelling!
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Thank you,
Paige Jaramillo