Wheat Focuses on Campaign Finance Reform in Third Outreach Meeting
Elk Grove mayoral candidate Lynn Wheat. In her on-going series of community outreach meetings, Elk Grove mayoral candidate Lynn Wheat fo...
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2012/08/wheat-focuses-on-campaign-finance.html
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| Elk Grove mayoral candidate Lynn Wheat. |
Wheat, who is running a grassroots bare-bone campaign that has decided to forgo campaign contributions, took up the issue at her third outreach meeting held at the Starbucks located on Elk Grove Blvd. and Waterman Road last night. Before the dozen or so people in attendance, Wheat cited West Sacramento's self-imposed campaign spending limits as an example Elk Grove should emulate.
Under their ordinance, during any election cycle each candidate is limited to $250 donations from any individual or group for that four year period. A candidate can self-finance and if they contribute more than $2,500 to their campaign all the other candidates (not just those opposing that particular candidate) can then accept up to $500 contributions for that four year cycle if they choose.
"What West Sacramento has done," Wheat said, "would serve us very well."
Wheat, a frequent speaker at city council meetings, was asked by a member of the audience if she would bring it up campaign finance reform at a city council meeting. Wheat quickly said "I am going to bring it up when I am mayor."
Among those in attendance were 22-year Elk Grove residents Mary and William Vogt who both said they agreed with Wheat's stance on campaign finance reform.
"I like the fact she is running without taking any contributions," Mary Vogt said. "She is not going to owe anybody anything."
For her part Wheat said she will continue to conduct outreach meetings and will start to "knock on doors." A number of Sheldon residents in attendance said they would personally contact people urging them to support Wheat.
One person who attended after reading about Wheat on Elk Grove Online was Ed Miller. The Elk Grove resident said he was pleased he came out and liked what her heard.
"She has her finger on things that could go wrong with Elk Grove," he said.
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4 comments
In concept this is good but it really does not work well. If there is a person or group that wants to strongly support an individual, they can do a separate campaign with a Political Action Committee (PAC) or Independent Expenditure (IE). Where there is a will there is a way and it is all legal.
If an IE were made or a PAC formed for Lynn, I would be happy to pitch in.
But this is exactly part of what Lynn is opposing: big money in politics. I'd prefer it if she'd accept limited contributions, somewhat along the lines of what West Sacramento has done. But a PAC is not what she wants.
I understand what you are saying Ed. But to a contrary point, and I am not being cynical here but, a true PAC cannot coordinate any effort with the candidate. So if a PAC wants to form and advocate a position that benefits one candidate or hurts another, that is their right, particularly in the aftermath of Citizens United.
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