Chandler Councilman OD Harris has turned a bruising political fight into a potential courtroom brawl, filing notices of claim last week against the cities of Chandler and Scottsdale and seeking $5 million to resolve what he says are harms tied to a campaign-sign probe. Harris describes the filings as a prelude to possible civil litigation after what he calls a years-long pattern of targeting.
As reported by ABC15, Harris called the episode "probably the most horrific time of my life," and his attorney Kenneth Countryman said Harris "could not file any action earlier." The notices accuse the two cities of maliciously targeting Harris without probable cause and set a $5,000,000 settlement demand. Chandler declined to comment, and Scottsdale told the station that "the city believes these claims are without merit and will defend against them vigorously."
Background: How the dispute started
The controversy traces back to July 2024, when opponents placed "No-OD" signs around Chandler and reports surfaced of signs being removed or damaged. Witness accounts and some video evidence prompted a police inquiry. To avoid a conflict of interest involving an elected council member under investigation, Chandler police referred parts of the matter outside the city for prosecution. Local reporting documented early dismissals and referrals in the case, and Arizona's Family covered those developments and the October 2024 dismissals.
What the claims say
The two notices name the City of Chandler, which investigated the report of sign damage, and the City of Scottsdale, which handled prosecution. They allege Harris and his family were "maliciously targeted" without probable cause. The filings set an explicit $5,000,000 settlement figure and outline allegations about the investigative and prosecutorial decisions that followed the 2024 incidents, according to ABC15. Harris says the claims are also meant to establish accountability for how the matter unfolded.
What a notice of claim means in Arizona
A notice of claim is a procedural, pre-lawsuit document required when a person seeks damages from a public entity or public employee in Arizona. Statutes and municipal guidance typically require such notices to be served within 180 days of the date the cause of action accrues and to include a settlement demand and supporting facts. The notice gives the public entity time to investigate and either respond or consider settlement before a separate civil lawsuit can be filed, and courts strictly enforce the procedural deadlines, according to the City of Tucson.
Political fallout and what's next
The filings add a new chapter to a contentious local political scene while Harris remains on the Chandler council and active in regional boards. Local coverage has followed Harris's roles and reappointments, and municipal records show his campaign filings remain in the city archive. If the cities deny the notices, Harris' lawyers could move to file suit; if the cities engage instead, the matter could head into settlement talks over the coming weeks. Coverage of Harris's local profile on Hoodline, and city records available via the City of Chandler, trace his recent political activity.
