GRAND TERRACE - Bea Cortes' campaign consultant is considering legal action against the citizen who anonymously posted signs accusing Cortes of stifling free speech.

"We have nothing against free speech, but we will challenge putting out anonymous fliers that include false information," said Chris Jones, who works on Cortes' campaign for City Council and with other local candidates.

Debra Hurst said she spent about $2,400 to send fliers to each of the roughly 4,200 homes in Grand Terrace and order 250 signs because she wanted to warn people of Cortes' history.

Hurst said she was not aware that she was legally required to include her name and officially file before distributing the materials.

"I'm not in the political field," she said. "I volunteer at different places and I'm a grandma. ... I just want people to be informed before they vote."

The fliers quote several newspapers and blogs criticizing Cortes and include a claim that Cortes is under investigation for payments made to Terra Loma Real Estate.

The district attorney's office stopped the investigation - which Hurst helped initiate - Sept. 24, but Hurst said she mailed the fliers before she heard charges were dropped.

Hurst supported her free speech complaint with a story from The Sun about Cortes' push for a restraining order against resident Kay Moore, which would have stopped Moore from attending City Council meetings.

Cortes, who said she was intimidated when Moore blocked a doorway and criticized her, withdrew the request in June.

The signs say

"Don't get stung by Bea Cortes - If you believe in `free speech' don't re-elect Bea Cortes."

Hurst said she did not consult with anyone before sending the information.

Cortes could not be reached for comment.

Her Brain: Chris Jones, did not identify what portion of the post card or sign was a misrepresentation of the historical facts. People have a right to recommend Not to Vote and their Opinion WHY. Well in the USA we hope.

Other Examples of Cortes Position and Practice of Free Speech Rights:

Cortes failed to second a motion to put GT Code into agreement with Case Law and Constitutional Law regarding Political Signs in Grand Terrace.

Cortes Voted for the 3 minute limit on Public Participation during City Council and Redevelopment Meetings while not having the same limit for Developers and other Presentations.

Cortes has seldom if ever joined in a motion to extend a persons right to address the City Council or Redevelopment Agency beyond the 3 minute limit.