Increased limits effective immediately
The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission voted Thursday to raise campaign contribution limits for candidates in the upcoming municipal election. Candidates for city council may accept $700 per donor per election cycle, up from a $500 limit. Candidates for citywide offices including mayor, city attorney, and city controller may accept $1,300, up from $1,000.
The new limits go into effect immediately, giving candidates in the March 2013 election the opportunity to contact donors who have already reached the old contribution maximums.
Critics of the new limits believe the commission is tipping the scales in favor of well-connected incumbents who have historically met the contribution threshold more often than their challengers.
August 18, 2011 •
Los Angeles City Council Delays Implementation of Measure H
Voter Approved Campaign Finance Reform Delayed
Implementation of Measure H, a campaign finance reform approved by voters earlier this year, has been delayed by the Los Angeles City Council.
Measure H bans campaign contributions from contractors to elected officials responsible for reviewing proposals for city work valued at $100,000 or more.
Photo of the Los Angeles by BRION Vibber on Wikipedia and the Seal of Los Angeles by Mysid on Wikipedia.
July 26, 2011 •
Los Angeles County to Consider Campaign Finance Amendments
Campaign Finance Amendments to be Introduced
Amendments to the Los Angeles County campaign finance laws are expected to be introduced at the July 26, 2011 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
The current campaign finance ordinance prohibits PACs and political parties from making contributions to county candidates and prohibits inter- and intra-candidate transfers of funds.
The proposed campaign finance amendments would increase individual campaign contribution limits as well as permit contributions from PACs and political parties.
Under the proposed amendments, inter-candidate transfers would be treated as individual contributions.
Intra-candidate transfers between a prior and current campaign account would be permissible and subject to regulatory measures.
January 5, 2011 •
Los Angeles Voters to Decide on Pay-to-Play Ban
Ballot measure will be decided on March 8
City Council has approved a ballot measure proposed by the Los Angeles Ethics Commission creating a ban on pay-to-play contributions.
If passed on March 8, the Charter amendment will prohibit companies bidding on city contracts from giving campaign donations to city candidates.
Companies found in violation of the ban would be barred from doing business with the city for one to four years.
Photo of the Los Angeles financial district by Bobak on Wikipedia.
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