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The following words and phrases as used in this chapter shall, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, have the meanings as follows:

(1) “Business” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual, holding company, joint stock company, receivership, trust, or any legal entity organized for profit.

(2) “Business with which he is associated” means any business in which the person or a member of the person’s immediate family is a director, officer, employee, or holder of stock worth $500 or more at a fair market value, or any business that is a client of the person.

(3) “Compensation” means payment in any form for real or personal property or services of any kind, unless the context requires a narrower meaning.

(4) “Confidential information” means that information which is exempt from public inspection and copying pursuant to RCW 42.17.310, and that information required under CCC 3.01.040(2).

(5) “Elected official” means any person elected at a general or special election to any County office and any person who is appointed to fill a vacant elective County office.

(6) “Gift” means a voluntary transfer of real or personal property of any kind, or the voluntary rendition of services of any kind without consideration of equal or greater value, but not including:

(a) Any informational material which is transferred for the purpose of informing the recipient about matters pertaining to official County business and is not intended to benefit the recipient;

(b) Any symbolic presentation which is not intended to financially benefit the recipient;

(c) Any reasonable hosting, including travel expenses, entertainment, meals, or refreshments furnished in connection with appearances, ceremonies and occasions, reasonably relating to official County business; or

(d) Any honorarium as defined herein.

(7) “Governmental body” means any department, office, commission, council, board, administration, or other establishment in the administrative, legislative or judicial branch of any local, State or Federal government.

(8) “Immediate family” means anyone residing in the person’s household, and spouses and dependents.

(9) “Honoraria” means reimbursement for expenses in connection with speeches, lectures, etc., that could not reasonably be inferred as given to influence the conduct of the official with relation to official matters.

(10) “Person” means an individual, business, union, committee, club, or other entity however constituted, organized or designated.

(11) “Political contribution” means any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds or anything of value, loan, payment, pledge, forgiveness or indebtedness, purchase of a ticket to a testimonial or similar fund raising affair, or subscription or money or anything of value, in connection with a political campaign, and any agreement or other obligation to make a political contribution.

(12) “Public official” means any individual who is responsible for taking or recommending official County action.

(13) “Public employee” means any individual who is employed by the County or who receives compensation from the County for services rendered, other than an individual who renders services at public expense by court appointment or as an independent contractor with the County.