SEAL BEACH : City Panel to Study Campaign Reform

The City Council has formed a committee to study a year-old campaign reform ordinance, looking to fine-tune local election rules by perhaps changing limits on contributions and spending.

Retired optometrist Gordon Shanks, a committee member and campaign treasurer for Councilwoman Marilyn Bruce Hastings during the last election, said the current campaign ordinance is too complex.

“It was done by some people who were very well-intentioned, but it’s way too complicated for a small city like this,” Shanks said. “It could scare somebody off from running.”

The city has a $5,000 spending limit for primary elections and a $3,000 limit for runoffs. During the last city elections in March, some candidates complained that the limits were too restrictive. Some candidates found themselves unable to spend money to replace all their stolen signs, Shanks said.

“The city has a history of sign wars,” he said.

Candidates have also complained about rules preventing donations during the final week of campaigning and campaign expenditure reporting requirements.

The city’s current campaign reform ordinance was created out of concerns that the high cost of campaigning might discourage some from seeking office It was put in place before this year’s elections.

But Councilman Frank Laszlo, a longtime campaign reform advocate, said the new ordinance did not live up to expectations. “Those involved felt there are still some problems with the ordinance,” he said.