JON C. ALTMANN Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist U.S. Navy (Retired) 5305 E. SWEETWATER AVENUE SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85254-4243 EMAIL: [email protected]PHONE: 602-765-4588 October 21, 2011 Chris Meyer Phoenix City Clerk Via Email & US Mail Phoenix, Arizona Dear Mr. Meyer: I am a Phoenix voter and homeowner. I have noted various communications and emails have been made by the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition involving apparent overt support for one particular candidate in the Phoenix City Council District 1 election and opposition to another. This group used to be a registered Independent Expenditure, but on January 28, 2011, they filed with the City Clerk to disband their independent effort (PAC 09-35 in City Clerk records). The activity in question has occurred since the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition terminated its PAC status. I am submitting to your office for review where such activity constitutes a violation of A.R.S. 16-914.02, or other Arizona laws or City of Phoenix election regulations. Further, it appears that the Coalition may be coordinating with a candidate or campaign committee, not only with publicity material about the candidate, but also concerning fundraisers to benefit only that candidate. I have attached pages of newsletters copied form emails distributed by the Coalition and its principle, Scott Anderson, in support of this inquiry. Specifically: 1.) October 16, 2011, Newsletter attacking council candidate Thelda Williams and promoting council candidate Eric Frederick. 2.) October 2, 2011, Newsletter advertising a fundraising event for candidate Eric Frederick and a separate article attempting to recruit campaign volunteers for telephone or other campaign efforts.
Transcript
JON C. ALTMANN Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist U.S. Navy (Retired)
5305 E. SWEETWATER AVENUE SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85254-4243
EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 602-765-4588 October 21, 2011 Chris Meyer Phoenix City Clerk Via Email & US Mail Phoenix, Arizona Dear Mr. Meyer: I am a Phoenix voter and homeowner. I have noted various communications and emails have been made by the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition involving apparent overt support for one particular candidate in the Phoenix City Council District 1 election and opposition to another. This group used to be a registered Independent Expenditure, but on January 28, 2011, they filed with the City Clerk to disband their independent effort (PAC 09-35 in City Clerk records). The activity in question has occurred since the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition terminated its PAC status. I am submitting to your office for review where such activity constitutes a violation of A.R.S. 16-914.02, or other Arizona laws or City of Phoenix election regulations. Further, it appears that the Coalition may be coordinating with a candidate or campaign committee, not only with publicity material about the candidate, but also concerning fundraisers to benefit only that candidate. I have attached pages of newsletters copied form emails distributed by the Coalition and its principle, Scott Anderson, in support of this inquiry. Specifically: 1.) October 16, 2011, Newsletter attacking council candidate Thelda Williams and promoting council candidate Eric Frederick. 2.) October 2, 2011, Newsletter advertising a fundraising event for candidate Eric Frederick and a separate article attempting to recruit campaign volunteers for telephone or other campaign efforts.
Chris Meyer October 21, 2011 Page 2 3.) Email of June 6, 2011, from the Saddleback HOA, which is listed on the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition webpage ( http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/ ) as a group wholly supporting the Coalition, advertising a candidate publicity event at the home of Scott Anderson, who is the leader of the Coalition and apparently also of the Saddleback HOA. This seems to have run in tandem with a June 5th newsletter distributed by the Coalition. 4.) June 12, 2011, newsletter further advertising the Eric Frederick campaign and soliciting funds, with instructions on how to write the checks/donations. 5.) July 31, 2011, Newsletter with the explicit paragraph title “I apologize for what seems like politics” with a by line of “Scott” – i.e., Scott Anderson, plainly stating support for candidate Eric Frederick and opposition to candidate Thelda Williams. There is are no political disclaimers on the newsletters and I found no City Clerk filing by the Coalition as to its activity in the city council elections. The Coalition webpage masthead states it is supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners Association and the Saddleback Homeowners Association (HOA). However, I have not found any listing with the Arizona Corporation Commission of any such HOAs being incorporated, which would seem the normal practice for HOAs. The Saddleback Homeowners Association mailing address found in the City’s neighborhood association listing online is that of Scott Anderson’s house. Anderson is also the chairman of the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition PAC. Can Mr. Anderson legally both be the principle officer of a HOA that “supports” the Coalition and be the Coalition PAC leader if such organizations are listed together, which may tend to say they are coordinating efforts? Since the Coalition and the HOAs have had their business names listed in these emails and/or newsletters with the candidate promotions and political statements, I ask if those actions are legal under Phoenix City Code and Arizona State law?
Chris Meyer October 21, 2011 Page 3 I submit these items to your office for review and request any appropriate investigation. If the material I have submitted is unfounded, please advise me of those findings and I will gladly withdraw my concerns. Thank you for your diligent efforts. Very respectfully, JON C. ALTMANN
Phoenix Property Rights Coalition Newsletters & Email Exhibits
Phoenix Property Rights Coalition
Supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners and the Saddleback Homeowners Web Address - http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/
October 2, 2011
How to Join Our Group
If a friend has forwarded this copy of our newsletter to you and you live in the Little Deer Valley and would like to receive our newsletter, just email your Name and Street Address to: [email protected]
Join The Fight Against Breast Cancer While You Whiten And Brighten Your Smile!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in support of the efforts to stamp out this disease, which affects one in four women, Dr. John Upton has made arrangements with one of his suppliers to purchase tooth-whitening kits with a portion of the purchase price going to breast cancer research. For the month of October all new patients will receive one of these kits for free! Dr. Upton’s office is conveniently located just north of Arrowhead Towne Center at 18555 N. 79th Ave., Suite A-104, and can be reached at 623-878-6333, or [email protected].
Wanted - Person to 'Detail' 2 Horse Trailers We are looking for someone in the neighborhood who will clean and detail two horse trailers. If you would be willing to tackle this job, please call us at (623) 512-7589.
Three Items For Sale The first item is a South Shore Aurora Blueberry child's Twin bed with drawers and a serta star-bright fireblocker mattress and mattress pad. Asking $150. The second item is a NORDICTRACK Elite 1300 Elliptical machine that AWESOME!!! Paid $2400 , Asking $600 The third item is a Pro Form Treadmill. It works great but has been used and moved around a lot so it doesn't look very new. Paid $2400 new, only asking $150. If anyone has questions please call 602-885-1876 and ask for Kim.
Fundraiser - Free Hors D'oeuvres at Dillon's On Thursday, October 6th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm there will be a Happy Hour fundraiser with free Hors D'oeuvres at Dillon's Restaurant, on 59th Avenue, just north of the 101. This will give you a
chance to meet our next City Councilman Eric Frederick and enjoy some food and drinks with friends and neighbors. They ask for a modest donation of $25 or more and request that you please RSVP. I'll be there and I hope to see you there!
Phone Bank Volunteers from Our Neighborhood On Monday, October 10th, we are looking for volunteers ONLY from our neighborhood, to help out at a phone bank in the evening, for a couple hours (details next week). We will be following a printed script where we will remind voters to be sure to cast their ballot and encourage them to consider Eric Frederick, We will all be in the same "phone room" area and we can share responses and give each other pointers. It really is a fun little social event when everyone is friends and neighbors. Eric will also be there so a voter would be able to speak to the candidate if they choose. Please respond to this email and RSVP your spot ASAP.
Supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners and the Saddleback Homeowners Web Address - http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/
October 16, 2011
How to Join Our Group
If a friend has forwarded this copy of our newsletter to you and you live in the Little Deer Valley and would like to receive our newsletter, just email your Name and Street Address to: [email protected]
Thelda's Lies, Politics As Usual In the past week, we have seen the mounting campaign of attacks against Eric Frederick. We saw half a dozen different post cards that were delivered in the mail this past week; some sent by Thelda and by a group called "Concerned Citizens for Phoenix". This "group" which has spent thousands of dollars is headed by Joseph Villasenor. To know more about him, check the following links http://phoenix.gov/phxd/ccimages/SendPDF?url=http://ccwebimages/gen/gen2497/11285001.tif&saveAS=GEN170998 This is the link that takes you to the filing page showing Joseph Villasenor as the Secretary of the group "Concerned Citizens for Phoenix" http://phoenix.gov/phxd/ccimages/SendPDF?url=http://ccwebimages/gen/gen2497/11285002.tif&saveAS=GEN170999 This is the link showing the $14,000 they have spent on behalf of Thelda, to influence the election. http://starpas.azcc.gov/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsbroker1/names-detail.p?name-id=17098724&type=PENDING%20CORP. This is the link showing that their corporation registration was
returned, making this a non-existent corporation that still spent the money listed above. It was returned because there were no addresses for any of the signers (perhaps trying to hide something??) http://phoenix.gov/phxd/bdcomm/BoardCommissionDetail?nbr=B9900394 This is the link showing that Joseph Villasenor currently serves on the North Gateway Village Planning Committee as an appointee of.........Thelda Williams! Joseph Villasenor worked as Chief of Staff for former District 1 Councilman Dave Siebert. Dave Siebert is now the Campaign Manager for Thelda Williams. Seibert and Williams have held a joint lock on the District 1 seat for 22 years. This link shows the article about Joseph Villasenor being arrested for domestic assault, which is why he no longer works for the City of Phoenix: http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PHXBeat/73863 You can be sure that Thelda Williams, Dave Seibert and her sleazy supporters are scared to death that they will lose their lock on District 1. Is it any surprise that these kind of desperate tactics would be used? These are the accusations that they have leveled against Eric:
Here is the Lie -Here is the Truth
He has civil judgments for unpaid debt - This is a different Eric Frederick that lives in Mesa
He failed to appear in court - He was not required to appear because he mailed in a fine for a traffic ticket.
He took creditors to court to avoid paying them - He bought a business with pre-existing debt and filed bankruptcy to restructure debt and is continuing to pay off all creditors. Thelda filed bankruptcy in 1991 while sitting on the City Council and she stiffed her creditors.
He wants to cut spending for Senior Centers - He has never proposed spending cuts for Senior Centers
He wants to slash spending for Fire & Police - Again, this has never been an element of Eric's platform
He wants to chop budgets for Road Improvements - Again, this is made up out of thin air and has never been proposed by Eric.
They actually expect you to believe that Eric is the anti-senior / "pro-pothole" candidate, completely ridiculous.
I must say that I am surprised that even Thelda would lower herself to such despicable behavior. It thoroughly disgusts me and I am more committed than ever, to insure that her kind of ilk does not continue in our district. You can help too (see below)
Working to Insure Thelda Gets Some Rest A week ago, the phone banks were started for Eric. I went down on Thursday with a couple neighbors and we all had a great time. The two hours flew by and our group made hundreds of calls. With the phone equipment you do not have to dial, you do not have to look at caller lists either; it is all done automatically. It even automatically leaves voice messages making it so easy and productive. We all had Pizza and soda, making it like a party. It really was a great time. The phone bank (located at 24th street and Indian School) will be running Monday through Thursday 5:30pm to 8:00pm, and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm for the next 3 weeks. If you can volunteer for an evening, just send me a response to this email and I will reserve a spot for you. I will be going down every Thursday and I would be happy to give you a ride. Again, just send me an email and we will make arrangements. The 2nd way you can participate is right from your own home. Simply contact me and I can send you a list of voters that you can call right from home. Each of the lists contain about 100 names and will take about three hours of calling. I provide scripts and instructions that make it very easy to talk to potential voters! There are just over three weeks remaining before the November 8th election. We really need your help to get some new leadership and representation on the City Council District 1 seat. Please look over this list and find one or more things that you can do to help.
1. Ask for a campaign sign to be put in your front yard. 2. Volunteer to make telephone calls on Eric's behalf. 3. Volunteer to distribute door hangers on one or more streets.
4. Make a donation to Eric's campaign. 5. Check out his website for other ways to
help: http://www.electfrederick.com/ 6. Most Important: Cast your vote for Eric Frederick by early ballot
or at the polls
If you would be willing to help, then send me a response to this email and I will make it very easy for you to volunteer in any way you can.
EMAIL FROM SADDLEBACK HOA – SCOTT ANDERSON From: [email protected] To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: 6/11/2011 9:59:39 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time Subj: Come Say Howdy Neighbor
Hello Friends & Neighbors,
One last reminder: tonight is the night! Tina and I are hosting an Open House today, Saturday, June 11th, 6:00PM at 5029 W. Whispering Wind Drive. We will provide the drinks and if you like, you can bring a tray of your favorite hors d'oeuvres or dessert. This neighborhood get together will serve a dual purpose:
It will give us an opportunity to celebrate the new agreement for better communication and cooperation between the neighborhood and the LDS Church.
It will give the neighborhood the opportunity to meet and greet District 1 City Council candidate Eric Frederick .
The election date of August 30th, 2011 is fast approaching, where the City of Phoenix will elect a new Mayor and City Council members for all the odd-numbered districts (1, 3, 5, and 7). Although we generally stay away from political or religious issues in the newsletter, the City Council seat is recognized as a non-partisan position. Most importantly, everyone I talk to in our neighborhood does not want to see Thelda Williams elected again after already serving 12 years and disrespecting our neighborhood.
Come on by to Meet & Greet Eric Frederick
Scott & Tina's at 5029 W. Whispering Wind Drive
Saturday, June 11th, 6:00PM, Casual Dress
Eric Frederick for District 1 City Council http://www.electfrederick.com/
Supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners and the Saddleback Homeowners Web Address - http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/
June 5, 2011
How to Join Our Group
If a friend has forwarded this copy of our newsletter to you and you live in the Little Deer Valley and would like to receive our newsletter, just email your Name and Street Address to: [email protected]
Scott & Tina Hosting Open House
Tina and I are hosting an Open House this Saturday, June 11th, 6:00PM at 5029 W. Whispering Wind Drive. We will provide the drinks and if you like, you can bring a tray of your favorite hors d'oeuvres or dessert. This neighborhood get together will serve a dual purpose:
It will give us an opportunity to celebrate the new agreement for better communication and cooperation between the neighborhood and the LDS Church.
It will give the neighborhood the opportunity to meet and greet District 1 City Council candidate Eric Frederick .
The election date of August 30th, 2011 is fast approaching, where the City of Phoenix will elect a new Mayor and City Council members for all the odd-numbered districts (1, 3, 5, and 7). Although we generally stay away from political or religious issues in the newsletter, the City Council seat is recognized as a non-partisan position. Most importantly, everyone I talk to in our neighborhood does not want to see Thelda Williams elected again after already serving 12 years and disrespecting our neighborhood.
Supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners and the Saddleback Homeowners Web Address - http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/
June 12, 2011
How to Join Our Group
If a friend has forwarded this copy of our newsletter to you and you live in the Little Deer Valley and would like to receive our newsletter, just email your Name and Street Address to: [email protected]
Scott & Tina Open House / Meet Eric Frederick
Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors who came and shared smiles, laughs, food and drink at our Open House last night. A very enjoyable evening that left a smile on our face and an after-glow in our heart. Eric Frederick spoke to our group, outlining his vision for Phoenix - District 1and showing the fresh new leadership that he could bring to our first level of city government. It is refreshing to hear someone putting the interests of the people and the neighborhoods, ahead of the wants of developers and powerful interest groups. Eric chatted with all the neighbors for hours, giving everyone an opportunity to meet him and talk to him one-on-one. It really was a very pleasant and informative way to learn about the candidate. To beat the incumbent Thelda Williams, it will require a great deal of support both in terms of volunteers and in cash. The election will be held on August 30th and if Eric can get more than 50% of the vote, he will win outright. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, then there is a runoff of the top two candidates in the November
election. The August election is only 11 weeks away so don't delay, support him TODAY!
SUPPORT ERIC FREDERICK FOR CITY COUNCIL HERE ARE 10 WAYS YOU CAN HELP
1. Make a donation! Campaigns cost money. From yard signs to door-hangers to direct mail, every campaign expense has to be paid for by contributions from people like you. AZ statute limits contributions to $410.00 per person. To make a donation:
Make Check Payable to: TeamFrederick Mail to: 3061 W Juana Ct, Phoenix, AZ 85083
Contribute at Website: http://www.electfrederick.com/How_You_Can_Help_.html
(Please note: Campaign contributions are not tax deductible)
2. Host a coffee or barbeque! One of my favorite activities is being able to talk to you and your friends about how we can make Phoenix a better place to live! Let my campaign know when your group meets and I'll be happy to attend! 3. Friend us on Facebook! Social networking is almost tailor suited for campaigns like this! My Facebook page lists updates, upcoming events, and offers a place for online dialogue! 4. Help put out doorhangers. Put on your track shoes and help my campaign go door to door in District 1 to help spread the word. These events are a lot of fun and typically take place in the morning before the heat sets in! 5. Make telephone calls to potential voters. Especially important as election day comes near, calling voters to let them know about the campaign is a simple, cost effective way to earn votes. Many voters don't know who their city officials are, and many times a simple telephone call can help them determine who they want to vote for! 6. Advertise your vote! Placing yard signs in your front yard or helping to hang them at major intersections lets people know about my campaign and tells your neighbors that I have your support! My
team of sign installers will help teach you how to do it or take care of it for you--just let me know! 7. Follow me on Twitter @ElectFrederick. For up to date commentary or impromptu events, there is simply no better way than Twitter to get information about day to day campaign efforts. 8. Doorknocking. One of the best ways to convince voters that Eric is the best choice for City Council is to talk with them face to face. My campaign will put you in touch with the right people whose votes I need to make this a successful election. 9. Attend community events. Whether you are a member of a group or organization or simply want to come hand out campaign items, being at community events is a great way to get out the word about my goals for the City! Check for upcoming events on the Campaign Calendar page! 10. Vote! Most importantly, vote for Eric Frederick for Phoenix City Council on August 30th
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I heard from many neighbors who wanted to meet the candidate, but the weekend was just a bad time. It would be great if one of our neighbors would volunteer to host another opportunity to meet Eric on a weekday evening. Please email me if you would be willing to host this and I will help coordinate the invitation to the neighborhood. If you want a yard sign, (I have mine in my front yard) please email me and I will get them from Eric once I have a count from the neighborhood.
Eric Frederick for District 1 City Council http://www.electfrederick.com/
Supported by the Little Deer Valley Homeowners and the Saddleback Homeowners Web Address - http://members.cox.net/saddlebackhoa/
July 31, 2011
How to Join Our Group
If a friend has forwarded this copy of our newsletter to you and you live in the Little Deer Valley and would like to receive our newsletter, just email your Name and Street Address to: [email protected]
Articles In the AZ Republic
Thelda Williams candidate profile appeared on AZ Central and she mentioned our neighborhood and the Temple issue. Her comments show that she still does not recognize how she did a disservice to our neighborhood and how her poor leadership prevented an early resolution. I could not help but leave a comment there. Check it out: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2011/07/29/20110729pho
enix-council-candidate-williams-district-1.html There also was a candidate profile for Eric Frederick this week. I have included a link below: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2011/07/29/20110729pho
enix-council-candidate-frederick-district-1.html
I Apologize for What Seems Like Politics
I want to apologize as I have received a couple complaints from neighbors regarding the recent politics in the neighborhood newsletter. I assure you that this is a temporary thing that I am
focusing on because this City Council election comes just a few months after we finally reached an agreement with the LDS Church regarding the Temple even though we were ignored by our current City Council representative. Having a Council representative that cares about and responds to the concerns of a neighborhood, will be HUGELY important to our community in the coming years. So thank you for your patience during these last few weeks before the August election. - Scott
