Wonder who's giving money to finance this year's elections in Minneapolis?
Wonder if those who have gotten big subsidies are backing those who voted
for them?
You should be able to find out today because all candidates had to file
financial reports. But guess what: They DON'T require candidates to
disclose who contributed under $101 and, since you could only give $100 last
year....no names.
So for three years incumbents can raise money from anyone they want and no
one has to know a thing.
http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?story=83469615&templa
te=metro_a
I think this is especially important in the Mayor's race where so many
issues revolve around who receives public subsidies. That's why I think all
candidates should release their full list. I'm ready: Sharon? Lisa? Mark?
Dick?
While I'm not charging that anyone is corrupt, I believe deeply that the
system is corrupting. That's why I'm proposing a comprehensive campaign
finance reform package for city elections that includes:
1. Banning all contibutions in non election years. (Legislators can't
raise money during the session: Why can a council member or mayor vote on a
multi million dollar subsidy in the morning and then take a secret $100
check over lunch?)
2. Lower the election year contribution for Mayor and Council to $100. (It's
now $500 for Mayor and $300 for Council.)
3. Require complete disclosure of ALL contributors. (Now you only have to
disclose who gave in excess of $100; and no one who gave to the incumbents
in the last three years has to be disclosed. If you want an education, get
your hands on who gives $99 for themselves, their spouse and their third
cousin.)
4. Require real time disclosure on the Internet. (Right now citizens have to
jump through hoops, and pay inflated rates for photocopying, to find out who
is giving money to their elected officials.)
Near the end of last year, many of the council members sent out fundraising
letters to year end events. Ever go to one of them? You'll see they are
loaded with people who do business with the city....none of whom have to
disclose their name. There may have all the best intentions, and in most
cases there is nothing wrong with anyone giving someone
money for their campaign. But the taxpayers have the right to know.
My experience is that most of the candidates and elected officials don't
like the system...and neither do most of the people who get hit up for cash.
So isn't it time we cleaned up the system....especially at a time when there
is so much cynicism about the way decisions are made at City Hall?
R.T.Rybak
www.rtformayor.com
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