It’s Time to Take Special Interest’s Big Money out of Local Politics
By Emerson Drake
Last night during the public comment period at the Modesto City Council meeting a man stood up and asked for the Council to take another look at Modesto’s “Time Is Now, Clean Up Politics” or TIN CUP ordinance. This is an opportunity for EVERYONE, regardless of political bent, to help level the playing field of local politics.
Do you believe unions hold too much sway or think developers can buy our elected officials by the handful? Since we are in between local election cycles, now is the time to change the rules our local politicians are required to play by.
At this point in time we have a $3,000 limit before our elected representatives are required to step back or recuse themselves from voting for a contributors project. That, in the opinion of many Modesto Citizens, is too high.
What was proposed last night is a $1,000 limit on Council races and a $2,000 limit for Mayoral races with a 48 month floating window.
People are still allowed and encouraged to contribute to their favorite candidates as much as they choose so this doesn’t violate anyones civil liberties. The only caveat is if they go over the limit, the individuals receiving the contribution would not be allowed to speak to or vote on any measure put forth by, or that financially benefits, their contributor.
This seems very straight forward and you would think anyone for better government would be standing in line to endorse this measure.
Very soon we’ll have a link to a petition for everyone who wants clean government can sign. We hope the Modesto Chamber of Commerce will support and endorse this proposal.
Citizens of Modesto, the ball is in your court. Please help us hit a grand slam for the home team by knocking it out of the park.
Eye On Modesto 