ACC candidate may have violated law

State investigates Sears for disclosure omissions

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is investigating whether Democratic Corporation Commission candidate Kiana Sears broke the law by not disclosing all of her dormant businesses when she launched her campaign.

The Secretary of State’s Office referred the matter to the attorney general after concluding that Sears’ omissions appeared to be a violation.

“Based on the evidence and arguments presented, the Secretary of State finds reason to believe that Ms. Sears violated Arizona law by failing to disclose the limited liability companies in her Financial Disclosure Statement,” a Friday letter from Elections Director Eric Spencer said.

Sears on Monday offered a terse statement before hanging up on a reporter: “My concern right now is representing Arizonans, doing everything I can for the people of Arizona. I’m interested in lowering their utility bills, clean air and clean water.”

A Sept. 7 complaint from Harry Young of Mayer raised questions about myriad businesses listed with the Corporation Commission that were not listed on the disclosure form Sears completed in February.

Violating the law regarding the disclosures is a misdemeanor that can draw a fine of no more than $500.

Spencer said that Sears disclosed one business on her form, which is owned by her husband, Ernest Sears. However, she did not disclose eight other businesses that are owned by her or her husband.

Sears wrote to the secretary of state in her defense and said she did not think she needed to disclose the businesses because they are inactive and she derives no income from them.

She said she believed the Financial Disclosure Form asked only about income and not about limited liability corporations that don’t generate income.