Campaign Finance Questions Arise in Ward 1 Council Race
Lucy Molina's campaign materials show irregular disclaimers and no reported in-kind contributions for a professionally-produced video, while photos posted by the candidate show her with independent expenditure committee materials.
Materials Lack Required Disclaimers, Reports Show No In-Kind Contributions
COMMERCE CITY — Three days before Tuesday's municipal election, questions have emerged about campaign finance disclosures in the Ward 1 City Council race after candidate Lucy Molina posted photos showing campaign materials with irregular disclaimers and from an independent expenditure committee.
The Documentary Distribution
Campaign materials distributed by the Molina campaign promote a video titled "A Good Neighbor," produced by A Good Neighbor Film LLC in early 2023. Its credits list three attorneys, presumably licensed music, facility rentals, and more. Also listed is re-election candidate Renée Chacon's Womxn from the Mountain as one "Impact Partner" among many. The film prominently features Molina alongside Chacon and re-election candidate Kristi Douglas.
Some of the promotional cards bear only a handwritten notation: "Paid for by volunteers." Most have no disclaimer.
Colorado law requires campaign communications exceeding $1,000 to identify the actual person or entity paying for them. The term "volunteers" does not constitute a legal entity under Colorado campaign finance law. The Secretary of State's office recommends disclaimers on all campaign materials to ensure compliance, regardless of cost.
Financial Disclosures not Found
Campaign finance reports filed with Commerce City show no reported in-kind contributions reported for the documentary production or distribution. The documentary has been used across multiple election cycles, benefiting Chacon in a 2023 special election and now Molina, Chacon, and Douglas in 2025.
Under Colorado law, donated goods or services must be reported at fair market value if they exceed $20.
Independent Expenditure Materials
On November 2, Molina posted photos to her campaign and personal Facebook pages showing herself holding flyers from Colorado Working Families Party.
One can be seen stating "Not coordinated with any candidate or candidate committee" as required for Independent Expenditure Committees.
Independent Expenditure Committees can accept unlimited contributions only if they do not coordinate with candidates.
Attempts to Obtain Comment
The Snoot Report sent detailed questions to the Molina campaign on November 2 requesting clarification. The campaign did not respond by publication deadline.
The Commerce City Clerk's office was contacted Monday morning regarding disclaimer requirements and enforcement procedures. The office did not respond by publication time.
Election Context
Molina ran most recently for the Ward 1 seat in 2021, receiving 377 votes to winner Oscar Madera's 577. She currently serves on the Adams 14 School Board, having been appointed in 2022 to fill a vacancy. She was then reseated in 2023 after the district canceled elections due to lack of opposition.
Viewing Campaign Finance Reports
Campaign finance reports for all municipal candidates are available at Commerce City's elections webpage.
This is a developing story and will be updated with any responses from the campaign or city officials.
Comments ()