On page 15 of ALJ Dublin’s July 17, 2017, Final Order, in subsection 5.9, she states in part: “In the present case, over the course of his communication with Ms. Hairell on January 23, 2017 in person…Mr. Binswanger reported alleged improper governmental activity, i.e. filed a whistleblower claim, relative to the CRTC lease and the EDA…”

RCW 42.41.040 (1) It is unlawful for any local government official or employee to take retaliatory action against a local government employee because the employee provided information in good faith in accordance with the provisions of this chapter that an improper governmental action occurred.

Good Faith = reporting of CRTC lease/EDA grant issue  
Retaliatory action = putting one on leave, and ultimately firing, for providing info in good faith. 
Retaliatory action = alleging purported insubordination and unsatisfactory conduct after one provided good faith info. Refusing to comply with improper gov action is not insubordination.