McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Members of Council-
Monday, September 18, 2023 12:25 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Re: September 18, 2023 Council Agenda Item #15 - Campaign Contribution Limits The State has set a campaign contribution limit of $5,500 per contributor. Under State provisions, cities are allowed to set their own limits. In 2022, some Council members suggested higher or no limits for candidates seeking office in Pasadena. The public feedback was considerable and the Council decided to drop the issue at that time.
The Council is now considering topics for Charter Amendment. It would be appropriate for the Council to have the appointed Task Force study the issue of candidate contributions, i.e., what other cities have done, what has worked and what would be an appropriate limit for a city our size. Thereafter, Pasadena residents should be given the opportunity to vote on the matter.
Setting limits on campaign contributions is one way to level the significant advantage that wealthy outside entities have over many local stakeholders. Leveling the field in this manner would lead to more equitable representation for Pasadena residents without access to significant means and other under represented constituents, while lessening the impact of corporate entities.
Another related topic that should be studied is whether City Council candidates should be permitted to accept funds from unions representing City employees whose ultimate employers are Council members.
While the Task Force may wind up with a significant number of Charter reform issues to consider, Affordable Housing Services urges the inclusion of campaign finance reform be included in its agenda.
The agenda linked above lays out the procedure and time-line for the Charter Amendment process.
Michelle White
Affordable Housing Services
1 9/18/2023
Item 15