1997 AGN APR 15 I25 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Voluntary Expenditure Limits Proposition 208 creates a set of voluntary expenditure limits and establishes certain incentives to encourage candidates to accept those limits. Cities are encouraged to establish a. voluntary expenditure ceiling in any amount of $1.00 or less per resident for each election in the jurisdiction. In council districts, this limitation if enacted by the City, would Emit expenditures for council races to roughly $7,000 per council candidate per election and $43,000 per mayoral candidate per election. If the City were to adopt voluntary expenditure limits, the allowable individual contribution would increase from $100 to $250 for those candidates accepting the voluntary expenditure ceiling. Once a candidate who does not accept the expenditure limit raises or spends 75 % of that ceilingamount ($5,250 based upon a $7,000 limit or $32,250 based on a $43,000 limit) the voluntary ceiling limit for other candidates in that race automatically triples. Similarly, if independent expenditure committees in the aggregate spend 25 % or more of the expenditure limit ($1,750 or $10,750 respectively) the ceiling for other candidate automatically doubles. If those committees spend more than 50% of the ceiling amount ($3,500 or $21,500 respectively), the ceiling limit for other candidates triples. Candidates who accept the expenditure limits are required to be identified on the ballot, the ballot pamphlet and the sample ballot. Other Contribution Limits In addition to contribution limits, Proposition 208 prohibits certain limitations on who and how contributions are made. For example: 1. Transfers. Transfer of funds from one candidate to another is banned. 2. Appointed Commission Members Prohibited from Contributing to Any Council Race. Members of appointed boards and commission (planning commission, utility commission, parks and recreation commission, historic preservation commission, etc) are banned from contributing to, soliciting or accepting contributions for the person who made the appointment. In Colton, this means that members of appointed commissions may not contribute solicit or accept contributions for m member of the City Council because the Council as a body ratifies and approves all. appointments. 3. Lobbyists. Candidates and officeholders may not accept contributions from any registered state or local lobbyists if that lobbyist finances, is engaged in, or is authorized to lobby the governmental agency of the office being sought.