Complaint lodged over pre-election spending

London mayoral candidate Paul Cheng is being accused of campaign spending before filing nomination papers.

Lincoln McCardle, a London resident, has filed formal complaints with the City of London and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs. 

"It is my opinion that [Cheng] has committed multiple and flagrant violations of the Ontario Municipal Elections Act," McCardle wrote in his complaint to the province.

His interpretation of the act is that campaign spending was prohibited before nominations were filed, which couldn't happen until May 1.

In past years, the date to file nomination papers was January 1 in the year of a municipal vote. 

McCardle alleges Cheng spent money on what appears to be professional videos, opening a campaign office and holding an open house, hiring staff and running television ads, among other things. 

City responds

Cathy Saunders, city clerk, confirmed she sent a letter to Cheng reminding him of spending rules under the province's election act. She said a similar letter was also sent to mayoral candidate Paul Paolatto. 

But, Saunders said the rules are quite complicated and financial spending audits cannot be done until months after the election. 

"Any complaints cannot be received until financial papers have been submitted in March 2019," she said. 

Cheng speaks

For his part, Cheng has denied any wrongdoing.

"Of course not," said Cheng when asked if the contents of the complaint were true.

Cheng also wanted to see more specifics.

"Well, when you charge someone, it's a very serious accusation," he said. "You have to say what is it you're saying the person did wrong?"

McCardle said he's cautiously optimistic that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs is looking into the matter.