In Perata's Court

By Ben Thompson, Letter to the Editor

I'D LIKE to echo the Tribune's call for clean money in state elections ("Hancock's reforms looking good," Feb. 6). Assemblywoman Loni Hancock's bill, AB 583, provides an opportunity to remove the influence of big-money interests in state lawmaking.

Voters in Maine and Arizona are electing public officials based on the content of their ideas rather than the depth of their pockets. And the number of women and ethnic minority candidates running for public office and winning has increased in both those states.

Now that AB 583 has passed the Assembly, it goes to the state Senate. Our senator, Don Perata, has yet to take a public stand on this important bill. Sen. Perata, those of us who yearn for clean and fair elections are counting on you.

Ben Thompson

Oakland

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