Another Complaint Dogs Council Race

A fifth complaint was filed Friday alleging improper electioneering in this year’s City Council race.

The latest complaint, made by longtime council watcher Chuck Kuenstle, raises concerns about candidate Jim Bruno’s campaign. Kuenstle says a mailer advocating Bruno’s candidacy does not identify its funding source. He also said no one has acknowledged paying for ads on behalf of Bruno in a local newspaper, as disclosure guidelines require. Bruno, a city planning commissioner, could not be reached for comment.

To date, Chris Buckett and Mary Harris are the only two of seven candidates in the race who have not been targeted by complaints, which are being referred to a Los Angeles law firm for investigation.

An earlier complaint asked investigators to look at ties between incumbent Mike Markey and contributors affiliated with a particular housing development. Other complaints involve allegations that incumbent Linda Parks’ campaign has improperly benefited from money spent by her unofficial running mate, millionaire trial lawyer Ed Masry; that candidate Joe Gibson accepted more than the city’s $250 limit from an individual contributor; and that Bruno failed to identify the occupations or employers of several of his contributors.