HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/3/2026 Item 6a, Rowley
Sandra Rowley <
To:Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan; Francis, Emily; Shoresman, Michelle; Boswell, Mike
Cc:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item 6a. Increasing Campaign Contribution Limitations
Dear Mayor Stewart and Members of the Council,
I understand the rationale for this change, but I don't agree with implementing it. I think, and urge you, to keep our local
maximum campaign contribution at its current $250 limit. Actually I would prefer you lowered it, but I doubt that will
happen.
Five hundred dollars may not seem like a lot of money to Governor Newsom and other Sacramento officials, but it is a lot
to many (if not most) city residents. And it encourages City Council candidates to concentrate their efforts on those who
can afford the larger amount in order to more quickly and easily pay for the various forms of advertisement.
My concern is that this increase could remove a large portion of residents from the ability to meet and converse with
candidates, to make their hopes and concerns known Will candidates forgo walking various neighborhoods and talking
with the residents there? Will candidates still host gatherings in public locations? Will they attend small neighborhood
gatherings where comments are prevalent, but donations are small? Or will candidates opt for an easier, but less
inclusive, campaign strategy?
Certainly that depends on the candidate, but receiving $500 per donor can be very enticing as way to meet financing
needs.
However, if after deliberation you still want to approve the draft ordinance, SECTION 1. c) will need to be corrected to omit
the word "decrease" and replace it with the word "increase." Additionally, it would be helpful to residents if the "clarified
definitions for key terms" mentioned in the Staff Report were included in the ordinance.
Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident
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