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," McCardlewrote in his complaint to the province.

His interpretation of the actis that campaign spending wasprohibited beforenominations were filed, which couldn't happen untilMay 1.

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

McCardlealleges Chengspent money on what appears to be professional videos, openinga campaign office and holdingan open house, hiringstaff and running television ads, among other things.

City responds

Cathy Saunders,city clerk,confirmedshe sent a letter to Chengreminding him of spending rules under the province's election act. She saidasimilar letterwas also sent to mayoral candidate Paul Paolatto.

But, Saunderssaidthe 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, Chenghasdeniedany wrongdoing.

"Of course not,"said Chengwhen asked if the contents ofthe complaint were true.

Chengalso wantedto 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 sayingthe person did wrong?"

McCardle saidhe's cautiouslyoptimistic that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs is looking into the matter.