County Supervisors Tuesday made progress for open government and
campaign financing restrictions, and they should be commended for
doing so.
The supervisors voted to post Form 460
– which details contributions and must be filed by all
candidates – on the San Benito County Web site as soon as
possible.
County Supervisors Tuesday made progress for open government and campaign financing restrictions, and they should be commended for doing so.
The supervisors voted to post Form 460 – which details contributions and must be filed by all candidates – on the San Benito County Web site as soon as possible. They also asked County Counsel Karen Forcum to draft an ordinance limiting the amount candidates can spend on races and to cap the amount of money individuals can donate to candidates.
Both of the board’s actions are a victory for the public.
Money can’t be divorced from politics – candidates need to finance their campaigns – but posting the donation records on the Web is a welcome ray of sunshine illuminating the source of the cash. The Elections Office will scan versions of the documents and have them online before the Nov. 2 election. The documents include names of donors contributing more than $99 and campaign expenditures.
Yes, the records are available now in the Elections Office – during the workday. But it is heartening that the supervisors will make the information accessible with just a few clicks of a mouse. Making campaign information easily accessible is as important as requiring candidates to file it. Soon, anyone in San Benito County with access to a computer can see who is financing the campaigns of those running for sheriff, marshall, supervisor and other county posts. It will ease the way for residents to judge for themselves whether everything is above board.
An ordinance to cap donations and spending also is important. Three weeks ago, Forcum presented an example used by the city of Santa Clara, which includes a $500 limit for individual donors and an overall cap of $25,000 for the board to discuss. Currently, there are no limits on campaign spending or donations.
While some say it is tough to buy politicians a couple hundred bucks at a time, caps on campaign spending will perform another valuable service. They will keep races affordable to average residents seeking office. Incumbents are established, have name recognition and a network of donors in place. They may be able to raise more money and outspend newcomers. In a small county like San Benito, a campaign finance ordinance would level the field for everyone seeking to serve their community in an elected position. And a cap on spending hopefully will focus campaigns on the issues rather than on blanketing the county with advertising.
It’s also important to note that the supervisors are moving ahead on campaign finance limitations even though many county politicians spoke against the idea in a study session last month. We commend the board for having the courage to do the right thing. The winners will be the public.
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