Pasco school official faces fine for neglected financial forms
A Pasco school board member faces a big fine for failing to file three years of personal financial information with the state.
Jesse Campos, a well-known community interventionist and former associate pastor, did not file F1 personal financial affairs statements required by Washington state law for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The reports allow the public to assess whether a public official may have conflicts of interest. They are due annually on April 15 for all elected officials in Washington.
Campos’ hearing with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is scheduled for Thursday, May 26.
A fine of $1,000 is recommended by PDC staff, along with a requirement for Campos to file its 2020 report within 30 days of ordering.
He told the Tri-City Herald on Monday that he knew he was required by law to file them.
” It was my fault. I totally forgot, or I just didn’t and ignored it,” he said.
He said he plans to repay any fines that state commissioners may impose during his hearing.
Campos filed his 2021 F1 statement on May 12 – the same day the PDC sent him a notice of hearing. Then, on Monday this week, he filed his 2019 and 2020 returns. But only his 2020 and 2021 returns are currently viewable.
Both documents show Campos earned between $60,000 and $99,999 as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Adult and Teen Challenge in Pasco.
No real estate or financial assets have been listed. He listed a business association with the Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission, where he serves on the board, and reported student loans of $60,000 to $99,999.
During last week’s filing period, Campos was the only Pasco school board incumbent who chose not to register to run for re-election.
All five school board seats are up for election this year after the district redefined its boundaries into four principals’ districts and one general seat in a bid to give Latino voters better representation.
Campos said he will not run because of a new job at Bethel Assembly of God Church in Othello.
He will run a community center there and said it would not be possible to balance a life in public service.
The lifelong Pasco resident plans to commute, but doesn’t rule out moving.