Scottsdale officials are probing the Better Together political action committee (PAC) after a complaint alleged that the group failed to disclose significant out‑of‑state contributions and did not meet required signage disclosure standards during the recent city‑council primary.
Complaint and initial review
AzFollowThe.Money founder Alex Logvin filed a formal complaint with the Arizona Secretary of State on September 20, asserting that Better Together violated state campaign‑finance law. The complaint, titled “Alleged campaign‑advertising and sign‑disclosure violations,” claims the PAC did not disclose the largest aggregate contribution exceeding $20,000, failed to reveal the percentage of out‑of‑state donors, and did not provide readable electronic disclosures or proper signage size.
In an October 7 letter, the Secretary of State’s office concluded there is a “reasonable likelihood” that a violation occurred and forwarded the matter to the Arizona Attorney General for further investigation and possible enforcement action.
Better Together’s funding and activities
Better Together, chaired by Axon consultant Chris Baker and treasurer David Leibowitz, a former Axon spokesman, used a $335,000 contribution from the super‑PAC National Horizon to fund attack ads against Councilman Barry Graham, former state representative Michelle Ugenti‑Rita, and former Councilman Bob Littlefield during the June primary. The group also supported Councilwoman Solange Whitehead, who won outright, and Raoul Zubia, a candidate in the November 3 runoff for two council seats.
According to the PAC’s financial disclosures, a July 14 expenditure of $7,910.83 was made for media ads benefiting Zubia. After the primary, the group’s social‑media activity ceased, though its “Bye Bye Barry” and “Michelle Ugenti‑Rita – wrong for Scottsdale” signs remain posted around the city.
Reactions from candidates and officials
Councilman Graham criticized the PAC, saying, “It’s pretty obvious voters were denied information, such as the PAC being 100% out‑of‑state funded. This $335,000 funneled through a super‑PAC to obscure donors for the purpose of harming Michelle and me and boosting Zubia isn’t happening for the benefit of residents.”
Runoff candidate Raoul Zubia responded to inquiries about the PAC’s support, stating, “Let’s call that PAC what it was: a battle between Axon and Barry, not a campaign for me. The proof is in the silence since the primary—no signs, no ads, no texts.”
Better Together’s response
In an August 13 letter, Better Together’s legal counsel argued that the required disclaimer size on signs was “insignificant and unsubstantial,” insisting the disclosures were readable. Leibowitz declined to comment on the complaint, saying he was not in a position to do so.
Chris Baker, who describes himself as president of Trailhead Strategic Communications and Signal Research, posted a cease‑and‑desist letter received by the PAC demanding a retraction of “false statements regarding Michelle Ugenti‑Rita.” He also shared a poll he claimed showed broad support for Axon’s office‑hotel‑apartments plan for North Scottsdale.
Background on the consultants
Baker has a long history in Arizona politics, including a 2010 Federal Election Commission complaint that concluded there was no reason to believe he violated the Federal Election Campaign Act. Leibowitz founded the public‑relations firm Leibowitz Solo in 2009 and has represented former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, and the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, among others.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Attorney General’s office has not yet released a formal determination, but the referral underscores the importance of transparency in local elections and the enforcement of Arizona’s campaign‑finance statutes.
Original reporting: Scottsdale Progress — read the source article.
