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information would then be available on the City's website when filed. This will provide greater transparency throughout the campaign process. B. Approve the proposed Voluntary Campaign Expenditure Limit and Proposed Code of Fair Campaign Practices, but shorten the "Election Period" to cumulate expenditures for general elections. While staff has proposed a two year reporting cycle to cumulate expenses for general municipal elections, the City Council may instead consider a shorter period to better reflect active campaign activity, such the 12 months of the election year. For example, the period to cumulate expenses for the Nov. 2010 general election could be from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010. This would essentially allow funds collected in campaign accounts to be spent on authorized and routine expenditures during non-election years; for example, political functions, public information materials, and other non-campaign-related expenses. C. Approve only the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. Consider an incremental approach to campaign finance regulation and campaign activities. This would include proceeding with the requirement to electronically file campaign statements to improve transparency of campaign finances. And, this would also include the adoption of a voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices which would have candidates and committees which undertake the pledge proceed with campaigns based on the issues and free choices. CONCLUSION As the Council has expressed interest in having candidates and political action committees (PACs) abide by fair campaign practices, a proposed resolution is attached which would allow candidates, office holders, and PACs to voluntarily pledge to a Code of Fair Campaign Practices provided by the City Clerk based on the California Elections Code. If the Council desires to adopt a voluntary campaign expenditure limit for campaigns for the office of council member and mayor, staff recommends the proposed ordinance setting the limit at $1.00 per registered voter, indexed for inflation, with the election period for general elections tied to dates covered by campaign statements, a different election period for special elections, a distinct election period for the Nov. 2008 general election, as well as have candidates submit the voluntary pledge with their nomination papers, and not subject violations to formal penalty. The proposed ordinance also amends Chapter 1.20 of the Municipal Code to clarify that campaign statements must cumulate expenditures, and expenditures be included in the final statement filed four days prior to the election for expenditures made seven days prior to the election. Finally, alternatives are also provided for consideration which still achieve the goal of proceeding with campaign finance reform and greater transparency of elections. Page 6 of 7