7/31/2019 Letter to Saint Paul City Attorney on Tony Sutton

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7/31/2019 Letter to Saint Paul City Attorney on Tony Sutton

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2323 E. Franklin Ave

Minneapolis, MN 55406

That is why the Board made a finding of probable cause that Tony Sutton violated Minnesota Statute

s.10A.29. In fact, Mr. Sutton admitted to the Board that he funneled a contribution through the

corporation called Count Them All Properly, Inc., to avoid Minnesotas disclosure law. The Board

said in its findings on the matter that, the whole enterprise was viewed by Mr. Sutton

as a mechanism for avoiding disclosure.

The actions of Mr. Sutton are extremely concerning. The Board said it best: Mr. Suttons conduct, if

accurately portrayed by Mr. Huettl, goes to the heart of the campaign disclosure system. That the

Chair of one of Minnesotas major political parties would order information withheld from the partys

treasurer not only damages the party itself, but undermines citizens confidence in Minnesotas

system of campaign finance disclosure as a whole.

That is why it is critical that the Saint Paul City Attorney hold Mr. Sutton accountable for

orchestrating this scheme to avoid disclosure. Criminal prosecution of Mr. Sutton would be animportant deterrent that is needed to protect the democratic process. The brazen actions by Mr. Sutton

were not accidental, but a deliberate attempt to circumvent the law. At a time when secret money is

flooding our political system, you have an opportunity to send a message that Minnesotas disclosure

laws will be enforced and those that attempt to circumvent the law will held accountable.

Sincerely,

Mike Dean

Common Cause Minnesota