pages: CityCouncil/2012-05-01.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2012-05-01 | 7 | Mayor Gilmore stated that she agrees with the concept of campaign finance reform, but sees it as very elitist; people who can self-fund campaigns and write their own checks, are much more advantaged because they do not have limits; people who cannot self- fund cannot afford to run are capped by the proposed ordinance; the ordinance is additional barrier for people running for office; only the rich, retired people will end up running for council; other cities with campaign finance ordinances provide public financing; stated she has a problem with limiting working families in Alameda, such as union members, teamsters, grocery workers, who voluntarily contribute part of their paychecks to unions to have a voice in the democratic process; individually, said people do not have money to make their voices heard; the 99% are involved in the democratic process and would be silenced by limiting contributions. Councilmember deHaan disagreed; stated each individual has the opportunity to donate up to the limit; individuals have made large donations on occasion; unions have had an influence in past elections. Mayor Gilmore stated the reporting requirements are incredibly burdensome and force candidates to hire professional treasurers to prepare the reports. Councilmember Johnson stated a number of candidates have not been able to comply with the existing reporting requirements; the biggest issue a couple years ago was the leading polling calls and television advertisements, which would not be touched; the League of Women Voters (LWV) proposal only requires disclosure of the two biggest contributors; committees will be formed to hide donors. Councilmember Tam stated that she has been a supporter of campaign finance reform, and, is a signatory for Assembly Bill 1648 being advocated by the LWV at the State and local level; she is troubled campaign finance reform is being used to encourage corporate deception, to silence the voices of working families, and targets unions; turning the Council into an elitist 1% group that can self-fund is not appropriate; workers contributing money collectively into a union would be silenced by the proposal. Councilmember deHaan disagreed. Mayor Gilmore stated as a practical matter, campaign season is midway [for November 2012], which is the same issue with 2010. Councilmember deHaan stated the ordinance could be moved out to the next cycle. Mayor Gilmore stated that she supports campaign reform done right; the ordinance is not done right; recommended input from the Open Government Commission and people who have actually run campaigns; stated the reporting requirements add another barrier. Councilmember deHaan stated good candidates know where funding comes from and can put proper documentation together. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 May 1, 2012 | CityCouncil/2012-05-01.pdf |