Surprise moves to censure Councilmember Aly Cline after several allegations
The Surprise City Council has censured Councilmember Aly Cline for violating Arizona state law, city code and policies.
Councilman Jack Hastings made the motion to censure Cline, which passed on a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Ken Remley casting the dissenting vote. Cline abstained from voting.
"In our council policies and procedures it says not that we can report illegal activity, but that we have a duty to report illegal activity," Hastings said.
This motion to censure does not remove Cline from the council. Nevertheless, it is a written formal statement of disapproval.
This discipline follows a complaint that Cline violated free speech by removing signs on public property belonging to mayoral hopeful Kevin Sartor. The complaint accuses Cline of using city resources to campaign for office.
During the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday night, several residents expressed their concerns, including local activist Rebekah Massie, who first confronted Cline about the removal of signs.
“Ms. Cline has broken the law, and as a public official she must be publicly accountable,” said Surprise resident Tina Huntsman. “It is the only way to maintain the integrity of the council.”
The city hired an outside contract attorney, Jon Paladini, to get to the bottom of five allegations against Cline. The review determined she had likely violated state law or city policy in only two of the instances.
The complaint alleged Cline:
Improperly removed two political signs posted at a library on March 27.
Said at monthly district meetings such remarks as “vote for Aly” and referred to herself as “the better candidate.”
Wore a city-issued polo shirt during a mayoral debate which includes the city logo, her name and title.
Wore the same city-issued polo shirt while collecting signatures on her candidate positions at a December 2023 charity softball game.
Once again wore the polo shirt, approached members of the veterans' disability and human services commission and said, “If any of you would like to sign my petition for mayor, here it is.”
The first allegation, involving the campaign signs, was referred to law enforcement. A news release from the Surprise Police Department said the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined prosecution of Cline for theft and/or criminal damage for the removal of a sign noting "no reasonable likelihood of conviction."
The investigating attorney found the second allegation against Cline, involving campaigning during city events, was in violation of state law and city policies.
The investigator said the fifth allegation likely was in violation of state law and city policies. The question of whether the allegation is a violation is influenced by the location of the commission meeting than the nature of the meeting.
Massie recorded and posted the video of her confrontation with Cline removing the signs on her YouTube account, which also shows Cline admitting her actions.
“The fact she openly admits her guilt on video, both when I confronted her when the sign was taken down and admits to it, not just one, but to two or three different news outlets acknowledging she tore down the signs, she is indeed guilty,” said Massie after Paladini’s presentation.
Before proposing censure, Councilman Hastings stated that Cline shouldn't be removed from office.
"We have a responsibility to make sure we are following the law, we are held to higher standards. I don't think she should be removed, but I believe some action needs to be taken," Hastings said.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Surprise moves to censure Councilmember Aly Cline over allegations