Campaign Reform

By Wendy Greuel

Just as it has become an issue on the federal and state levels, campaign reform, and especially campaign finance reform, is essential to maintaining the integrity of our local political system as well. When even a small city council race can cost up to $1 million, and everything from mayoral races to city attorney races are inundated with independent campaign expenditures by special interests, it's clear we need change and we need it now.

As your councilmember, I will:

• End Political Corruption and Conflicts of Interest by closing campaign finance loopholes that have allowed millions of dollars from anonymous outside interests to influence local elections.

• Champion Political Independence by refusing campaign contributions from big tobacco, waste disposal companies, oil drillers and gambling casinos who seek to trade money for votes.

• Ensure Full Disclosure of Campaign Contributions by requiring special interest groups to disclose their expenditures to City Council candidates within 24 hours of their contribution.

• Fight for Local Representation by requiring people who run for Los Angeles City Council to live in the area they will represent for at least three months prior to the election.

• Curb independent expenditures by corporations doing business with the City of Los Angeles

• Demand 24-hour notification of independent expenditures by special interests on behalf of City Council candidates

• Demand that egregious campaign violations result in forfeiture of office # otherwise candidates will continue to violate the law because there are no real consequences.