Laserfiche WebLink
2008 election. For subsequent elections, the "election period" selected by Council <br />would control when contributions may be made, received and cumulated. <br />As contributions can be received by mail, on-line, or in person, other jurisdictions with <br />contribution limits include provisions which allow a candidate or candidate's committee <br />to refund contributions in excess of the contribution limit. Staff recommends that if the <br />Council considers a contribution limit, similar language be included. <br />As determined by State and Federal courts, any ordinance limiting campaign <br />contributions should not limit the amount of money a candidate may contribute to the <br />candidate's own campaign, as the public's concern about undue influence or corruption <br />is not implicated. Similarly, contribution limits should not apply to contributions in <br />support of, or opposition to, local ballot measures. <br />Conclusion. Because of the strong interest in making available to the public information <br />about campaign donors and expenditures, staff recommends that the Council adopt the <br />proposed ordinance which requires the electronic filing of campaign statements. Once <br />implemented, this information will be made available to the public on the City's website. <br />Information and sample language for a voluntary expenditure limit is attached for <br />consideration and discussion. Staff requests policy direction regarding: (a) whether to <br />base the limit on the number of registered voters; (b) when a candidate must take the <br />pledge; and (c) the period in which to cumulate expenditures, if the Council wishes to <br />consider such an ordinance. <br />Similarly, information and sample language is also attached regarding contribution limits <br />to candidates and candidates' committees. Again, if the Council considers adopting <br />such an ordinance, staff would need direction as to: (a) amount of the contribution limit; <br />(b) period during which contributions would cumulate; and (c) whether and how to apply <br />to Nov. 2008 election. <br />Submitt by: <br />Nel o Fia o <br />City Manager <br />Attachments: <br />1. Proposed ordinance amending Chapter 1.20 to require electronic filing of <br />campaign statements <br />2. Sample voluntary expenditure limit ordinance language <br />3. Sample contribution limit ordinance language <br />4. Copy of October 16, 2007 report <br />5. Copy of October 16, 2007 minutes related to campaign finance <br />Page 6 of 6 <br />