Investigation Begins Into Election Complaint

A preliminary investigation has begun into a claim that the three incumbent candidates and the mayor formed a secret, illegal political committee during the November election.

City Attorney Lynn Board said either someone from her office—possibly her—or outside counsel will review the complaint filed yesterday and decide if the Board of Supervisors of Elections will review it.

The complaint, filed by Paula Ross and Tom Rowse, the two losing candidates in November's election, alleged that winning incumbent Council members Jud Ashman, Cathy Drzyzgula and Ryan Spiegel .

The committee funded a letter, written by Katz, that endorsed Ashman, Drzyzgula and Spiegel, the complaint says, but the committee's existence or expenditures were never reported.

At the City Council work session Monday night, Board outlined suggestions the BOSE made at their meeting last week, including better defining what constitutes a political committee.

Board said the city's definition of a committee—"Any combination of two (2) or more persons formed in any manner, which independently collects or expends a cumulative amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or more to assist in the promotion of the success or defeat of any candidate or slate of candidates for city elective office"—closely matches that of the State.