Yes on Prop. 89
By Barbara Hempill, Letter to the Editor
Vote "yes" with the League of Women Voters on Proposition
89, political campaigns. Prop. 89 aims to make politicians
accountable to voters rather than to lobbyists and special
interests. Its three powerful components are:
• Strict contribution limits. Prop. 89
ends the fundraising competition with state constitutional
limits so the voice of voters is not drowned by big
contributors.
Bans contributions from lobbyists and state
contractors.
Limits contributions from corporations, unions and
individuals to state candidates.
Limits corporation donations to initiatives to $10,000.
• Clean Money public financing of
political campaigns. Prop. 89 levels the playing field so
new candidates can win on their ideas, not because of the
money they raise.
Candidates who agree to spending limits and to take no
private contributions qualify for public funding.
Five-dollar contributions from voters required to prove
viability.
Clean candidates receive enough to run competitive
campaigns. They can't raise money beyond public funds.
• Tough disclosure and enforcement for
politicians. Prop. 89 stops candidates from hiding behind
negative ads and punishes politicians who violate the
law.
Makes wealthy, self-funded candidates disclose the amount
of personal funds they will spend.
Publicly financed candidates must engage in debates.
Imposes mandatory jail time and provides for removal from
office of candidates who break the law.
Barbara Hempill
President, League of Women Voters Livermore-Amador Vall
See the article on Contra Costa Times website