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Given the current political climate in our country and city it is imperative, once again, to convene a city council-appointed, non-partisan committee, to review our Fair Campaign Practices Act.
As a matter of civic and voter education, this is a very important and instructive matter.
From the act itself:
2.04.202. - Legislative declaration. The people of the City of Longmont find and declare that large campaign contributions create the potential for corruption and the appearance of corruption; that the rising costs of campaigning for political office prevent qualified citizens from running for political office; and that the interests of the public are best served by limiting campaign contributions, encouraging voluntary campaign spending limits, full and timely disclosure of campaign contributions, and strong enforcement of campaign laws.
We need to true-up to the “Legislative declaration” above and ask ourselves if we are fulfilling it. We need to look at how many donations an individual can receive from one source, consider when and who can electioneer, look at potential loopholes, enforcement and double-check that the current act works in practice.
No matter who wins the 2021 election, let's urge Longmont City Council to make this a first priority.
