In the several months leading up to the deadline for collecting recall signatures, Oro Valley Citizens for Open Government posted signs around town advising people to sign the recall petition and listing locations and times to do so. Soon after they were posted, signs touting the words “Don’t sign” started popping up within close proximity.
The group that placed the original signs expressed displeasure, contending that the new signs were a form of illegal campaign spending because they don’t disclose on the signs who paid for them.
However, the signs could never be tied to a specific candidate or political action committee, which are the only parties that the disclosure rule applies to, said Town Clerk’s Office spokeswoman Misty Novak.
“We reached out, and no one claimed ownership,” she said. “If the sign meets the temporary sign zoning criteria, an individual can post it as a matter of free speech.”
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That was the extent of the issue, and all the signs came down following the end of July’s petition deadline, Novak said.
