Elections Should Be Won, Not Bought
Support Proposition 15 on the June 8 Ballot
By Guest Columnist Richard Hobbs

Our California economy, education and services are on life support but our politicians are spending most of their time raising money instead of raising issues.  If we want to take the first step toward limiting special interest campaign contributors, we all need to get behind Proposition 15 on the June 8 ballot.  

Proposition 15, also known as the California Fair Elections Act, will establish a voluntary pilot program to provide limited public financing for Secretary of State candidates in the 2014 and 2018 elections.  Under this path breaking pilot program the candidates qualify for the funds if they gather signatures and $5 fees from at least 7,500 registered voters, accept strict spending limits, and forego all private contributions.  Each candidate with this demonstrated public support would receive the same amount, and participating candidates would be prohibited from raising or spending additional money. 

The public campaign fund would consist of the voluntary contributions and a $350 annual registration fee imposed on lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers, who only pay $12.50 per year now.  The fees on 1300 lobbyists and 3400 registered lobbying groups would go into effect on June 9, 2010 and raise approximately $1.7 million a year to support candidates for the Secretary of State-a key position in that it determines the integrity of all California elections.  

Proposition 15 could also open doors for many local candidates with big ideas but small resources.  Prop 15 would overthrow existing law that prohibits all city and county governments in California from adopting fair election laws. 

Locally we are fortunate to have state office-holders who understand that elections should be won and not bought.  The Proposition 15 Kickoff at the Unitarian Church, San Jose on March 28 was attended by state leaders who are sick and tired of the undue influence of corporations, developers, and the wealthy. 

State Assemblyman Ira Ruskin pointed out that when he first won election he defeated millionaire Steve Poisner, who with his own money "raised" over $6 million.  Assemblyman Ruskin said that he had to devote all his time to raising funds, instead of focusing on issues of importance like the environment.

Assemblyman Jim Beall, a strong advocate for the poor, stated that the reason we have problems in California is "because of the money machine".  Assemblymen Joe Coto and Paul Fong, both strong advocates for public education, decried the special corporate and financial interests that undercut access to basic public services.  Assemblyman Fong and former Assemblywoman Sally Lieber pointed out that when campaign finance laws are fully implemented, such as in the case of Arizona, where more minority and women candidates run for office.  

In the seven states where Fair elections systems have been adopted, voter participation has increased dramatically.  Candidates focus on the public's issues, rather than returning political favors to their campaign donors.  Reforms like heath care reform are not undermined by insurance companies through massive spending to influence candidates. 

According to the Fair Political Practices Commission, California politicians have raised over $1 billion since 2000.  If you want to help take the corrupting influence of money out of politics contact www.YesOnProp15.org, call county campaign coordinator Craig Dunkerley at 408-453-3865, or call me at 408-460-2999.  Si se puede! 

Richard Hobbs is a trustee on the San Jose-Evergreen Community College Board, Executive Director of Human Agenda, and Associate Director of SIREN. 
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