HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.C- Council Office 7.0
DOC ID: 1364 B
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO—REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Election
From: Jorge Carlos MICC Meeting Date: 11/07/2011
Prepared by: Cheryl Weeks, (909) 384-5188
Dept: Council Office Ward(s): All
Subject:
Campaign Contribution Limits
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact as a direct result of this item. It is possible that there could be costs
to the City related to enforcement of any ordinance that establishes campaign contribution limits.
Motion: That the matter be discussed and referred to the Legislative Review Committee to
prepare a charter amendment that would establish campaign contribution limits
from individuals, political action committees, and businesses to all candidates for
City elected offices, expenditure limits for all such candidates, and disclosure
requirements for independent expenditure committees.
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
This item was heard at the 10/17/2011 M/CC Meeting and both recommended motions were
defeated:
1) That a standing commission be formed comprised of one representative from each ward
and one member representing the Mayor, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and
City Manager to research true charter reform.
2) Discuss and refer to the Legislative Review Committee to prepare a charter amendment
that would establish campaign contribution limits from individuals,political action
committees, and businesses to all candidates for City elected offices, expenditure limits
for all such candidates, and disclosure requirements for independent expenditure
committees.
Background:
Limiting contributions to political campaigns is a controversial issue with some criticizing limits
as a restriction on free speech and others lauding them as a way to stem political corruption and
the undue influence of large campaign contributors. In the State of California, 13 counties and
98 cities have enacted campaign finance reform measures to improve public trust in local
government, create higher levels of transparency, and to limit the influence of special interest
groups, such as unions, developers, independent expenditure committees, and others.
Staff should study the 98 cities that utilize campaign contribution limits to determine the amount
Updated: 11/3/2011 by Mayra Ochiqui B
Packet Pg. 719
7.0
1364
needed for San Bernardino's campaign contribution limits. In addition,. City staff should
investigate the legal viability and effectiveness of other campaign finance reform measures such
as certain limited expenditure limitations for candidates and disclosure requirements for
independent expenditure committees.
Contribution limits and regulations are meaningless if there is no mechanism to enforce them.
Some local governments have established commissions to enforce limits and other campaign
reform rules.
Supporting Documents:
Updated: 11/3/2011 by Mayra Ochiqui B
Packet Pg. 720