Frank Scott Jr., who has formed an exploratory committee to run for mayor of Little Rock, has filed a counter claim against an effort backed by Mayor Mark Stodola to stop Scott from raising funds. The city has filed suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court to stop Scott and Warwick Sabin from raising money with exploratory committees.
A city ordinance bars campaign fundraising until June 1st. But the Arkansas Ethics Commission has said exploratory committees are allowed. Scott suggests Mayor Stodola is trying to control the election process.
"This has been the mayor attempting to silence me and anyone else who is interesting in engaging in public debate over Little Rock's future. The mayor is utilizing the city attorney, Mr. Tom Carpenter and the city Board of Directors as a proxy," says Scott.
The city ordinance in question also requires incumbents to turn-over campaign funds leftover from past elections. But Stodola still has $78,000 on hand. He declined comment to KUAR, saying it’s a legal matter handled by the city attorney. Although Stodola has directly commented on the issue in the past.
