With allegations mounting, Surprise seeks legal review of Cline's campaign activities
Surprise will turn to an outside attorney to investigate whether sitting Councilmember Aly Cline violated local and state election laws while campaigning to be the city’s next mayor.
The move follows calls by Kevin Sartor, Cline’s opponent in the race, for the council to censure her. He alleges that she used her position and city resources to influence the election during her recent community meetings.
Sartor points to video recordings of Cline’s March 15 and April 26 meetings, both of which the city promoted online.
One shows Cline telling residents to vote for her when the ballots go out for the July 30 election. In another, she’s recorded commenting on Sartor’s government experience and availability to hold the mayor position before stating that she’s “better” than him.
Arizona prohibits cities and towns from using resources like facilities, vehicles, telecommunications and webpages, among other things, to influence an election.
In an email, Cline said she wasn’t available Wednesday morning for an interview.
Near the end of the City Council’s meeting Tuesday night, when leaders can request to place items on future agendas, Councilmember Jack Hastings asked that a third-party attorney investigate Cline’s recent activities.
That includes a March 27 incident where Cline is recorded on video admitting to removing signs on public property. One sign promoted Sartor’s signature-gathering efforts to qualify for the race.
The state has protections for political signs placed on public property.
Cities, towns and counties can’t remove or cover signs so long as they meet certain requirements, like being placed in a public right-of-way the municipality owns, or supporting or opposing a candidate.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing a complaint that accuses Cline of violating free speech when she took the signs down. County prosecutors have not determined whether Cline should face any charges.
“I don’t want to do nothing, but I also don’t want to jump the gun, move to censure (or) reprimand, without knowing the facts,” said Hastings.
Councilmember Chris Judd, who seconded Hastings’ motion, said the legal review would benefit Cline, who “deserves to be heard too.”
“There are a lot of allegations, and you’re innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
Citing attorney-client privilege, City Attorney Robert Wingo explained that any legal opinion received will be discussed in the council’s executive session, which is a closed-door meeting.
“I will make an e-session available, and you can discuss the merits and the allegations with outside counsel in e-session and decide if you want to take legal action,” Wingo said.
He added that he’ll “move as quickly as possible” to get the legal opinion.
Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Surprise wants legal opinion on allegations against Cline campaign
