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Santa Fe ethics board hears complaint alleging illegal sign placements and finance violations by David Montoya
Summary
The Santa Fe Campaign Ethics Board held a hearing after Dr. Benonado filed complaints that candidate David Montoya placed campaign signs on public property and mixed personal and campaign funds; both sides presented witnesses and exhibits and the board moved to executive session for deliberation.
The Santa Fe Campaign Ethics Board met to hear a complaint by Dr. Benonado accusing David Montoya of placing campaign signs on public property before and after the Nov. 4 election and of misusing campaign funds. Chair Paul Biederman described the proceeding as administrative and civil, not criminal, and explained that any fine would be based on factors including seriousness, intent and corrective actions.
Dr. Benonado presented photographs, emails and campaign finance exhibits she said document signs on utility poles, bridges and public trails as well as payments from personal accounts and an allegedly unsupported loan. David Montoya testified he made "honest mistakes" using some personal funds but denied intentional fraud and said the complainant had the burden of proof. After testimony from witnesses for both sides, the board voted unanimously to move into executive session to deliberate on the evidence and applicable campaign code provisions.
