Some worry political fliers could inject party politics into Idaho Falls city council race

Idaho Falls businessman Doyle Beck says he wanted to increase voter turnout, so he mailed several fliers out to voters, purporting to lay out the positions of city council seat four candidates.

But now those fliers are setting off a storm of controversy.

“He (is) trying to cause some dissension in the community, and, you know, start splitting up,” said candidate Ed Marohn.

Marohn says city council races are supposed to be non-partisan, and Beck’s involvement is anything but.

“This is a non-partisan election. Why get wrapped up in misrepresenting? The GOP party is involved, just because he’s on the central committee.”

At issue: Beck has Marohn listed as one of the candidates supporting a public accommodation ordinance, something Marohn says simply isn’t true.

“He supports the other candidate. That’s what it boils down to. An attack ad like this, I think is in poor taste,” Marohn said.

“My flier was simply to educate. If Mr. Marohn is not happy with the education, he needs to change his philosophies,” Beck said.