LAGUNA BEACH : Campaign Finance Law Goes Into Effect
With a raucous political year in the offing, a measure limiting to $250 the amount that can be contributed to a City Council race has become effective.
The City Council adopted the measure in January, 14 months after the city’s most expensive council race.
Proponents said the new law will limit the influence of big spenders and the extent to which outsiders can control city elections. Opponents say it favors incumbents, three of whom are up for reelection in November.
The original version of the “Tin Cup” ordinance was crafted by the League of Women Voters of Orange Coast and Orange County Common Cause. It was revised by the council before it was endorsed by a 3-1 vote.
Councilman Wayne L. Peterson voted against the measure. Councilman Robert F. Gentry, who had favored the measure in earlier discussions, was absent during the final vote.
On Saturday, Gentry said the new law creates “a level playing field” for political candidates and “diminishes the influence of special interests” while giving more power to individual voters.
“I think it’s a major step forward in taking the politics out of politics,” he said.
The new law does not limit spending or the amount of their own money candidates can pour into a race.
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