Let’s set the record straight on the biggest lie being pushed by Mayor Daryl McIntyre and his allies:

“Matt Tortorice is suing the city – he shouldn’t be running for Mayor.”

That’s not just dishonest. It’s deliberate disinformation designed to distract you from the real issue: what they did to your rights, their illegal actions, abuse of power, and repeated attempts to silence citizens. They never say why the lawsuits were required.

🔍 Here are the facts:

I’ve been a party to two civil rights lawsuits — not for personal gain, not for revenge, and certainly not out of selfishness. They were about protecting your rights and holding those in power accountable when no one else would.

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🧭 1. The Redistricting Lawsuit

Link: Tortorice et al. v. City of Margaret

I was one of six plaintiffs, not the only one. Why? Because this wasn’t about me – it was about fair voter representation.

For years, Mayor McIntyre and James Chapman refused to redraw district lines after massive population growth. That meant thousands of voters were being denied equal representation – violating the principle of “one person, one vote.”

They were told it was illegal. They were told the law required it. And they refused – until they were sued.
Three weeks after we filed, they suddenly changed course. That’s not coincidence. That’s pressure.

“They don’t have to redistrict unless someone sues.” – Former City Attorney Erskine Funderburg.

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📹 2. The First Amendment Lawsuit

Link: Councilman Prevails in Challenge

I spent over a year asking the city to broadcast the meetings publicly and even passed a motion to do just that, but they refused. So, I started recording the public council meetings myself, and did for over a year and a half. While I was on vacation in July of 2024, Mayor McIntyre made a motion to ban audio and video recording – a direct violation of the State Law and the Constitution. I attempted several times to explain the law, but McIntyre had me forcibly removed by the Police Chief.

Let me repeat that:

A sitting council member was removed from a public meeting for exercising his First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit that followed wasn’t about me – it was about everyone’s right to observe and document government meetings. The case was settled and the ruling was formally in my favor – I was awarded a symbolic $1 and an agreed order. But the real victory was for the civil rights of every citizen in Margaret.

Now, they’re trying to twist the story. But you deserve the truth.

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🚫 What They Don’t Say:

They don’t want you to know:

• That I stood up for your rights, not just mine.
• That they were told it was illegal – and did it anyway.
• That the only reason these changes happened is because I didn’t back down.

Mayor McIntyre made the motions.
Mayor McIntyre enforced them.
Mayor McIntyre violated your rights – and now wants to blame me for standing up.

Even the Police Chief told me privately, “What was I supposed to do? If I didn’t follow orders, I’d be fired.”
What does that tell you?

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✅ The Truth:

These lawsuits weren’t attacks on the city – they were defense mechanisms for the people.

If doing the right thing makes me unpopular with a corrupt status quo, so be it. I didn’t file these lawsuits to win friends. I filed them to stop illegal behavior and restore accountability.

“Who sues the city and runs for mayor?”
Someone who’s already doing the job. Someone who believes in justice, planning, and responsibility – not silence, shortcuts, and fear.

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🗳 Margaret doesn’t need another caretaker. It needs a reformer with a spine.

Let’s build a city that protects rights, follows the law, and serves the people – not politicians.