City Eyes Public Campaign Funding
Trying to counter the public perception that politicians are beholden to their contributors, the Los Angeles City Council took steps Tuesday to study a taxpayer-funded campaign-financing system.
The proposal, approved 11-0, calls for a review of public financing systems across the country - notably in Arizona and Maine - their impact on elections and campaign spending.
"Elections shouldn't be about who can write a $500 check," said Councilman Eric Garcetti, who with Councilwoman Wendy Greuel proposed the study. "We have a system now where people no longer feel represented. The system gives a perception that special interests have disproportionate power."
Garcetti said he believes mistrust has contributed to the decline in voter participation in all elections.
The study would look at the costs the city could face and the type of reform measure that would be submitted to voters for their consideration, Greuel said.
"The time has come for public financing," she said. "Obviously, we will still have to deal with the priorities of the city, but we need to restore the integrity and confidence of our electorate."
In this year's municipal elections - which included a hotly contested race for mayor - the city spent $5.2 million under a system that provides matching funds for qualifying candidates.
Total spending by all candidates, even with several uncontested council races or only light opposition, was more than $26.3 million.
In addition, independent expenditure committees spent millions more - spending that would not be controlled under any public financing system.
Also, wealthy candidates and others could decide not to participate in the program and would be allowed to spend their own funds or raise it from other sources.
Under the city's current campaign-financing system, contributors are limited to giving $500 to council members and $1,000 to citywide offices per election.
To be eligible for matching funds, a candidate must raise $25,000 in contributions of $250 or less, agree to spending limits and spend no more than $25,000 in their own funds on a race. Each office has a cap on how much will be spent. This past year, it was $4.5 million for the mayor's contest and $500,000 for council races.
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