Kevin Sartor, candidate for Mayor of Surprise, Arizona, is calling on his opponent, Aly Cline, to immediately suspend her campaign following her guilty verdict and censure for violating several local and state election laws while campaigning to be the city’s next mayor.
“Aly Cline’s actions have undermined the integrity of our electoral process and eroded public trust,” said Sartor. “Just this evening, Aly was censured by the Surprise City Council for violating the law and abusing taxpayer resources. Given the serious nature of these violations, it is clear that Aly Cline is not fit to serve as Mayor of Surprise. For the good of our community and the integrity of our local government, I urge her to suspend her campaign immediately.”
Sartor, a retired Army officer, combat veteran, and former army drill sergeant, has built his campaign on principles of integrity, accountability, and service. Sartor believes that public office holders must adhere to the highest ethical standards and that any breach of trust must be addressed promptly and transparently.
“Our community deserves leaders who respect the law and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct,” Sartor continued. “My campaign is committed to transparency and accountability, and I believe that all candidates should be held to the same standard. The residents of Surprise deserve to have confidence in their elected officials and the electoral process.”
Sartor says he is dedicated to “restoring trust in local government and ensuring that Surprise continues to be a safe, prosperous, and vibrant community.”
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined prosecution of Cline for theft and/or criminal damage for the removal of signs after a resident alleged the councilmember illegally removed signs from City property.
According to the Police Department, on March 27, 2024, a resident placed numerous signs on City of Surprise property to include: City Hall, City Court, Police Station and Surprise Regional Library. The signs were illegally posted on City of Surprise light poles, traffic signs and electrical boxes in violation of Surprise City Code (Section 109-1.7F.6). Surprise Police were provided video of Councilmember Cline being confronted about the removal of some of the signs located at the library.
As the Surprise Police Department had a conflict of interest in this matter, the information obtained in the initial report was forwarded to the Goodyear Police Department for further investigation. After Goodyear Police completed their independent investigation, the case was sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review and/or charging.
On June 14, 2024, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office officially declined prosecution of Cline for theft and/or criminal damage for the removal of the signs, noting “No Reasonable Likelihood of Conviction.” The decision to decline prosecution surprised no one as the County Attorney’s Office has consistently failed to prosecute election related complaints.