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

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