Register a vote for fair elections

By Joe Ely, Letter to the Editor

Liz Figueroa's article (Opinion, Aug. 20) spells out the solution for making our state government run on ideas and the will of the people instead of giant campaign contribution checks.

The California Fair Elections Act, which will be on the June 2010 ballot, will be our first opportunity to make our state government a better democracy. Without risk or significant cost, it will enable qualified candidates for the office of Secretary of State to run a viable campaign that is financed by a special public fund. The money in that fund will be derived from a modest increase in lobbyist fees, which are now only $12.50 per year.

This pilot measure will prove that we can elect leaders who aren't wealthy and who refuse to sell out to wealthy supporters.

Joe Ely
Pleasanton

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