1 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 11:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: City Council 2/25 - Item 16D - More $$ in Politics - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council -
Most of my friends and neighbors sadly aren't involved in City politics. Most don't have an extra $1.5 K to donate to candidates, maybe they have $50. The people who have an extra $1.5 K probably don't live in Santa Monica, but have business in Santa Monica. And having the "right" candidates in office will help them. You know, pay to play.
You have a chance to lead by demonstrating true liberal behavior - if access to politics is your goal.
Here are two options that could increase democracy:
1. Push for PUBLICLY FUNDED CAMPAIGNS, instead of running toward the money.
2. Vote to settle the CVRA lawsuit and move to DISTRICT ELECTIONS so voters would have more equitable access to candidates, instead of allowing more money to be concentrated to control at-large elections.
The only thing that shouldn't be done is what you are suggesting - increase money in politics.
I oppose your anti-democratic efforts.
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: City Council 2/25 - Item 16D - More $$ in Politics - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council -
Wow, you have outdone yourselves on this one. At a time when the oligarchy is taking control of our country, your solution is to put MORE money into politics? You have done no analysis to show this is needed, or would benefit democracy. Just because you increase the individual limit doesn't mean the dark money stops flowing.
You have a chance to lead by demonstrating true liberal behavior - if access to politics is really your goal.
Here are two options that actually increase democracy:
1. Push for PUBLICLY FUNDED CAMPAIGNS, instead of running toward the money.
2. Vote to settle the CVRA lawsuit and move to DISTRICT ELECTIONS so voters would have more equitable access to candidates, instead of allowing more money to be concentrated to control at-large elections.
Pretty much the only thing that shouldn't be done is what you are suggesting - increase money in politics.
I oppose your anti-democratic efforts.
Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Item 16D
EXTERNAL
Council,
Please support item 16D to help balance the political playing field. As described in the agenda item, individual contributions no longer hold an equivalent amount of financial influence as independent expenditures. The people of Santa Monica should be driving local elections.
I don't think it's currently possible, but I'd also encourage any course of action that could limit those independent expenditures.
Thank you
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 6:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Douglas Sloan; [email protected]; David White
Subject: ITEM 16- D : OPPOSE
EXTERNAL
This ' sounds good' but I think it may be a mistake.
"Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin and Natalya Zerntiskaya claim the increase is intended to "encourage greater participation and access to municipal elections." Exactly who are you making it more "fair and free" for ..candidates whose reach have deeper pockets ?
I fail to see how this is fair in any way..It is supposed to offset the injustice of Citzen's United. and the PACS... but I think it will do the reverse. The PACS will just spend more and negate the
individual gross contributions as they always do.
Example: Todd Wexman ..who spent massive money spreading lies and fan hate for you to be elected. Yes you Dan, Ellis, Barry and Natalya..
https://www.streetsforall.org/blog/time-for-real-change-in-santamonica This will level nothing and involve no one more.
It is simply self-serving
Danielle Charney
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: JenniferSmith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 9:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell
Subject: Subject: Objection to Agenda Item 16Da, Council meeting of Feb. 25, 2025
EXTERNAL
February 24, 2025
Subject: Objection to Agenda Item 16Da, Council meeting of Feb. 25, 2025 Dear Mayor Lana Negrete, Council members, Caroline Torosis, Jesse Zwick, Ellis Raskin, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya
I write to formally express my grave concerns regarding Agenda Item 16Da, which seeks to raise individual contribution limits for political campaigns. I strongly urge Council Members Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, and Natalya Zernitskaya to immediately recuse themselves from voting or endorsing any ordinance related to this matter due to their receipt of substantial campaign contributions from BIG DEVELOPER interests, and other special interest groups. Their involvement in this decisionmaking process constitutes a clear and irreconcilable conflict of interest.
The introduction of this motion not only creates the appearance of impropriety but exacerbates concerns regarding undue influence and corruption. It suggests an attempt to shield actions that would otherwise be deemed unethical, while misrepresenting the council's true interests to the citizens of Santa Monica. This raises significant ethical and legal issues, particularly given that the council members in question are financially beholden to large developers and special interest groups.
The receipt of political contributions from entities with direct financial stakes in city development projects, invites the inevitable perception if not the reality of a quid pro quo arrangement, undermining the integrity of the democratic process. Such actions call into question the ability of these council members to make impartial decisions that serve the best interests of the city and its residents. As a result, I implore these members to refrain from promoting or supporting any ordinances that could directly or indirectly benefit their financial backers.
A particularly concerning and recent example of such impropriety is Council Member Natalya Zernitskaya actions. During her 2024 campaign, Ms. Zernitskaya accepted a $400 contribution from The People Concern, a major stakeholder in city contracts. On December 17, 2024, she subsequently voted in favor of awarding a contract to the very same entity, clearly violating Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Rule 84308, which prohibits "pay-to-play" practices. This violation has already been reported to both the Santa Monica City Attorney and the FPPC for investigation, but it raises serious questions about the council's ethical standing.
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
2 In light of these facts, I strongly urge the City Council to ensure that all members who have financial ties to developers or other special interests recuse themselves from any votes related to land use, development, or similar matters in Santa Monica. Failure to do so would represent a blatant disregard for ethical standards and invite not only an investigation but also a thorough audit of city expenditures to detect potential misuse of taxpayer funds and possible fraudulent activity.
Federal funding is contingent upon the proper use of tax payer dollars and transparency.
The seriousness of these concerns cannot be overstated. As stewards of the public trust, it is the responsibility of the City Council to act with the highest ethical standards and to ensure transparent governance. Any failure to do so will compel the taxpayers all available legal avenues to safeguard the interests of Santa Monica's residents and hold accountable those responsible for any misconduct.
This matter should be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it demands.
Sincerely,
Jen Smith
Mid City
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Ann Maggio <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 7:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Douglas Sloan
Subject: Agenda Item 16.D for Feb. 25 2025
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
How many potential candidates have lots of friends with DEEP POCKETS? Does the average person have $1,500 to throw at an election?
Councilmembers Hall, Raskin and Zerntiskaya's suggestion to raise the minimum per campaign donor, from $410 to $1,500.
By their ACTION, each indicates their reelection campaigns game plan, which, should the majority agree, allows each of you to
reach out to far fewer people with much deeper pockets.
How undemocratic!
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
4 The correct thing to do is limit campaign
contributions to ZERO dollars and vote for
District Elections. Real and honest
representation involves District Voter
volunteers door knocking for their
candidates of choice. Free and Fair Elections
means cities encourage all candidates to
meet the public by stumping every District
block.
FREE and FAIR Elections for ALL!
Ann Maggio Thanawalla
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." - Albert Einstein Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025