HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-13 Fact Sheetr
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city of san Luis ompo, office of the city desk
DATE: October 1, 2013
TO: Election Campaign Regulations Committee
FROM: Sheryll Schroeder, Interim City Clerk
SUBJECT: FACTS /HISTORY FOR THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE
hope this additional information will be a helpful review as we begin discussions on
Thursday, October 3, 2013. 1 look forward to working with you.
The original regulations were first adopted in 1974, contribution limit was $100.
In 1991, the citizen committee thought it should be increased to $250; Council denied
this recommendation by a 4 to 1 vote.
In 1994, a new citizens committee recommended raising the contribution limit to $120;
recommendation was voted down 5 to 0 vote.
In 1998, the contribution limit was $100 (Ord. 1333)
In Nov. of 2005 it was increased to the current $200 (Ord. 1483)
Currently no anonymous contributions are allowed in excess of $50. In 1974, none
were permitted. In 1976, they were allowed up to $10. In 1981 the amount was raised
to $25 and currently the amount is $50.
City Supplemental Campaign Contribution Statement is due the same time campaign
statements are filed as required by the provisions of the Government Code. For 2014
election cycle, candidates file Form 460 on July 31 st as their Semi - Annual Statement;
September 25th as their first Pre - election Statement *, October 23rd as their second
Pre - election Statement *. January 31 st, Semi - Annual Statement. * At the same time
these reports are due, the City's Supplemental Report is also due.
Per Section 2.40.060 B, The City Supplemental Report contains name, address and
amount of contribution for each person who contributes greater than $50, but less than
$100 and total expenditure made by each committee. The 2010 Supplemental Report
City Clerk Council Memorandum Page 2
contained a box where total expenditures were reported. At the November 5, 2009
Election Campaign Regulations Committee meeting the members agreed to eliminate
that requirement but the subsequent ordinance still contained the requirement. This is
one possible issue to discuss.
2.40.060 D: "Upon receipt of each campaign statement and supplemental city campaign
statement, the city clerk shall timely cause to be published a display ad in a newspaper
of general circulation advising the public how and where to access copies of the filed
campaign statements and supplemental city campaign statements on the City of San
Luis Obispo website ". The minutes of the November 5, 2009 Committee meetings,
members agreed to one publication of a display ad when the County issues the ballots,
notifying the public how, when and where they can access the information. Again, the
subsequent ordinance contained the older language. This is another possible revision
to the ordinance that may clarify this issue.
2.40.070 Campaign signs. Staff has asked the Police, Fire and Public Works
Department for their comments on the current regulations. To date there had been no
response.
2.40.050 C: requires the candidates to close their campaign accounts 90 days after the
election. State regulations, Chapter 8 of the State Manual, says that the law does not
require any local candidate or committee to terminate the committee. A new Form 501
and 410, plus a filing fee of $50 are required. The City's regulations, Section 2.40.050
C requires the treasurer to close the campaign account no later than 90 days following
the election. The City Attorney can explain the difference between state regulation and
the City's and this may be another area the Committee could discuss clarifying.
The City's contribution limits do not apply to ballot measure committees.
Average spent on local elections:
2013 Special all mail ballot election
2012 Regular Municipal election
2010 Regular Municipal election
$16,000 (5 candidates)
Supplemental
$15,000 (7 candidates)
Supplemental
$12,000 (6 candidates)
Supplemental
$5,243 reported on
$6,367 reported on
$1,564 reported on
Comments from current Council Members regarding the regulations:
Independent Expenditure Committees are not regulated by the City's campaign
limits.
Raise the limit at least to $300.
Consider raising the limit or eliminate it completely.
Your final report is due to City Council by January 31, 2014