Peoria mayoral candidate Jason Beck faces a campaign finance complaint questioning why he created a limited liability company to run for office. || YouTube
Taylor Seely || The Arizona Republic
Peoria mayoral candidate Jason Beck faces a campaign finance complaint questioning why he created a limited liability company to run for office and why he didn’t disclose expenditures such as a truck with a digital billboard that was driven around promoting his campaign slogan.
Beck and Bridget Binsbacher are competing in the Nov. 8 election for Peoria’s top elected spot as Mayor Cathy Carlat has reached the city’s two-term limit.
While Peoria also has two competitive City Council races, this is the only campaign finance complaint filed this election season, according to the city.
The City Clerk’s Office has not yet issued a ruling on the complaint filed in May. Briana Cortinas, a Peoria spokesperson, told The Arizona Republic she could not say when the investigation would conclude. State law gives a deadline of 30 days post election, though it could be sooner.
In Phoenix, Councilmember Carlos Garcia faced a campaign finance complaint that was investigated, and the findings were released within two months. In that case, Phoenix referred the investigation to Gilbert’s Town Clerk, citing a conflict of interest. Garcia is an incumbent seeking re-election.
Peoria resident Robert Meizinger, who filed the complaint against Beck and is listed on Binsbacher’s campaign website as a supporter, said he was concerned with what he views as Beck’s “flagrant” flouting of the rules.
“Voters deserve to know exactly how much money Mr. Beck is spending in his efforts to purchase this election,” Meizinger wrote.
