A new court ruling in a case with significant implications for public accountability has just landed in Longview. In Wallin v. Boudreau, Pacific County Superior Court Judge Donald Richter has denied a motion to reconsider sanctions previously imposed on former Mayor Spencer Boudreau and Councilmember Kalei LaFave.

These sanctions stem from the plaintiffs’ successful motion to compel discovery—a process in which the court ordered Boudreau and LaFave to provide outstanding responses. That motion was granted on November 24, 2025. On December 22, Judge Richter formalized the order, requiring each defendant to submit the missing discovery materials and to pay both $1,000 in attorney fees and an additional $1,000 in personal sanctions. The court did not impose the same requirement on Councilmembers Erik Halvorson or Keith Young, nor on the City of Longview. This remains explicitly a matter between the court and the two individuals.

Earlier this month, Boudreau and LaFave’s attorney requested reconsideration of that decision. Judge Richter denied the motion, reaffirming the original sanctions and discovery mandate. As a result, the two are now legally bound to pay a total of $2,000 each and submit the overdue discovery by next Friday—February 20, 2026.

Background of the lawsuit
The case was filed in March 2024 by Longview residents Mike Wallin, John Melink and Tom Samuels. The plaintiffs allege the city’s government, including Boudreau, Halvorson, LaFave and Young, conducted a series of “serial meetings”—private communications that collectively amounted to quorum-level deliberations—before making key decisions earlier that year. Such actions would violate Washington State’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), which mandates public notice and openness.

Why this matters locally
This ruling touches on several important themes for our community. First, it stresses the legal consequences for elected officials who fail to comply with court-ordered transparency and discovery requirements. Second, it underlines that procedural compliance—like responding fully to discovery—is not optional, even for local public officials. Third, the sanctions reinforce the principle that public officials may bear personal liability when state law and judicial orders are disregarded.

Looking ahead, the court-mandated deadline of February 20, 2026, will determine whether discovery proceeds toward trial. If Boudreau and LaFave comply, the case will move forward. If not, the court may consider further sanctions or additional legal remedies.

What we’re watching
• Will Boudreau and LaFave meet the February 20 deadline? What’s the status of their discovery responses?
• Will the plaintiffs seek additional penalties or protections if compliance remains incomplete?
• Could further rulings or settlement discussions emerge ahead of trial?

Pending—This story remains under close observation. Sources cited include the latest reporting by Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG, which published its update on February 13, 2026. We’ve also cross‑checked earlier developments, including the initial motion to compel in November and the December court order imposing sanctions. Our team will continue tracking this case—and what it means for governance and transparency in Longview.

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