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Sandy residents press council over campaign dark money, sign theft and disclosure rules
Summary
During the public-comment period residents urged the Sandy City Council to tighten campaign disclosure and ethics rules after a divisive municipal election, reported alleged sign theft and urged sanctions for perceived violations; several speakers said they would like clearer, enforceable local standards.
Dozens of residents used the Nov. 11 public-comment period at Sandy City Hall to call for greater transparency and accountability in municipal elections, describing repeated negative mailers, social-media activity and alleged campaign-sign theft.
"We need stronger transparency so that voters know who are funding these campaigns well before the election," resident Drew Howells said, calling the recent campaign cycle "corrosive" and offering to provide video he said shows sign removals. Several other residents told the council they had their signs damaged or stolen and urged the city to consider limits on sign timing and stronger disclosure requirements.
Speakers urged action from council members, including possible sanctions for candidates who break voluntary pledges of fair campaigning and a push to limit sign placements and set earlier removal deadlines. Council members responded by saying they would review options; some urged gathering more information and ensuring that any local action respects state law and existing authority.
Mayor Monica Zoltanski and other council members noted they heard a range of views at the meeting. Council members said they plan to examine whether the city can adopt new ordinances or ethical rules to address undisclosed spending by independent political action groups and whether improved disclosure and complaint pathways are needed.
The council did not vote on policy changes during the meeting; members said follow-up work would be required to determine what falls within city authority and what would need state-level changes or legal review.
