A Phoenix council member running for reelection to represent south Phoenix probably violated campaign finance laws, according to a report released Thursday.
Gilbert Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera investigated a complaint that Carlos Garcia broke state law by accepting money from a labor union and filing a campaign finance report late. The complaint also alleged he took too much money from the union.
Herrera, who was referred the case after Phoenix City Clerk Denise Archibald noted a potential conflict of interest, agreed with the allegations and sent her findings to Phoenix City Attorney Cris Meyer for further investigation.
Garcia’s campaign finance report shows he accepted about $28,000 from the United Food and Commercial Workers labor union. Garcia previously acknowledged to The Arizona Republic that he filed his first campaign finance report 73 days late. He said he paid a $1,600 fine.
Phoenix City Council candidates are not, by state law, allowed to accept labor union donations. They are, however, allowed to accept donations from labor unions that register separate political action committees or mega PACs.
But candidates can take at most $6,550 from a PAC or $13,100 from a mega PAC, putting the donation to Garcia at more than double the largest limit.
Phoenix spokesperson Dan Wilson said Phoenix officials would ask another city or town’s attorney to investigate the case to avoid a conflict of interest. That attorney could pursue civil penalties.
The Republic first reported the complaint against Garcia in July, when the councilman said it was his first time running for reelection and he would “own up to any mistakes” if they were made.
Garcia did not respond to a request for comment following Herrera’s report.
The councilman faces three opponents in November as he seeks a second term representing District 8.
Reach reporter Taylor Seely at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or 480-476-6116. Follow her on Twitter @taylorseely95 or Instagram @taylor.azc.
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