Tag Archives: Ken Gamblin

Valderrama Wanted $10 Million to Settle His Public Records Lawsuit 

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By Miki Mullor
Special Coverage

Jan. 29, 2024: Former Sammamish Deputy Mayor/City Council member Ramiro Valderrama wanted $10 million, plus attorneys’ fees, to settle his lawsuit filed in March last year alleging the city failed to turn over public records.

Valderram alleged violations of the Public Records Act by council members he politically opposed, specifically targeting former Mayor Christie Malchow, former council member Ken Gamblin and then-and current council member Kent Treen. 

Records from the litigation show Valderama’s attorney demanded in September $10 million to settle the case, along with a public statement by the city, to be approved by Valderrama, acknowledging city council members violated the Public Records Act.  

Last month, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, finding the city and council members followed the law. The judge issued a summary judgment (meaning, no jury or bench trial) on the city’s motion to dismiss. Valderrama this month filed a notice with the King County court that the decision will be appealed to the state appellate court. He has about three months from the January 11 notice to file his case with the higher court.

The city provided the Sammamish Comment documents through Public Records Requests (PRRs) showing the legal bill for the city’s defense is now up to $340,000, not including the city clerk’s staff time.   Earlier in the litigation, a month after filing, and before incurring its legal fees, the city offered Valderrama $75,000 to settle the case, which he refused.  

Transcripts of depositions taken in this case were made public through a PRR and reveal a political connection between Valderama’s case, the investigation of former city manager David Rudat, Stephanie Rudat’s connection to both these issues and an apparent political revenge as a motive. Stephanie is the daughter of David. Malchow was one of the council members who voted to initiate the Rudat investigation.

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Judge tosses Valderrama’s public records lawsuit vs Sammamish

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By Miki Mullor

Special Coverage

Dec. 15, 2023: A King County Superior Court judge today dismissed a lawsuit filed by former city councilman Ramiro Valderrama alleging Public Records Act violations.

The judge granted a Summary Judgment motion by the city and denied a competing motion by Valderrama. The case was slated to go to trial in March, but a Summary Judgment means there was enough evidence to conclude the case based on information already filed with the court. The ruling is a sweeping victory for the city and a crushing defeat for Valderrama.

Ramiro Valderrama

In ruling for the city and against Valderrama, Judge Paul Crisalli concluded that several pieces of Valderrama’s testimony, declarations, and depositions he obtained were based on hearsay and speculation.

A political and legal saga, the PRR case was started by Valderrama against the city and several council members almost two years ago.

Superior Court Judge Paul Crisalli’s order:

  • Exonerates former Mayor Christie Malchow, former council member Ken Gamblin and council member Kent Treen of wrongdoing.
  • Ends a host of conspiracy theories advanced by Valderrama since late 2021.
  • Found that certain depositions and testimony were based on hearsay and speculation.

Valderrama filed his lawsuit after engaging in a year-long public campaign in which he accused Malchow 26 times during city council meetings in 2022 of breaking the public records law. Valderrama, who coined his accusations “Malchowgate”, did not present evidence during these meetings to back his accusations.

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Rudat ethics report released, finally

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By Scott Hamilton

June 17, 2022: The 40-page summary of the ethics probe into former Sammamish City Manager Dave Rudat has been released to Sammamish Comment, pursuant to a public records request.

The release does not include all data, facts, and findings and it includes redactions for specific legal advice and certain names.

The entire report is here:

rudat-investigation-report-redacted-finalDownload

In a quick summary, here are some highlights:

Summary

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Deadline today for Rudat’s response; incoming Council Member Lam appears to be swing vote on discipline

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By Scott Hamilton

Nov. 30, 2021: The fate of Sammamish City Manager David Rudat may rest with Amy Lam, the City Council’s newest member.

Lam was elected Nov. 2 to fill out the remaining term of Jason Ritchie, who resigned early this year. Tom Odell was appointed to fill the position until the election. Lam defeated planning commissioner Josh Amato. The election was certified Nov. 23, at which time Odell left the council.

Lam hasn’t been sworn in yet. If she isn’t by the city clerk before the Dec. 7 council meeting, the next one after the Thanksgiving holiday, she will be then.

And one of the first decision she faces is whether to vote to suspend Rudat for 30 days without pay for mishandling confidential information and for other transgressions.

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Election results:  Moran re-elected in a landslide. Lam, Howe and Clark win tight races

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By Miki Mullor
Editor

After counting 95% of the ballots, Mayor Karen Moran won her re-election in a landslide, winning over 75% of the votes. Moran is also the only candidate in this election crossing the 10,000 vote count.  

Also winning, in tight races, were Karen Howe, Kali Clark and Amy Lam.  

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