Regarding the Kenney bill that would have lifted limits on campaign donations in this race -- and on Kenney's decision to change the bill:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your advocacy and vocal opposition to Councilman Jim Kenney’s proposal last week to eliminate the campaign contribution limits all candidates are currently operating under. Because of your outcry, it has been reported by this blog that Councilman Kenney has decided to pursue alternative measures to the “outright contribution cap elimination” proposal that was introduced last week. This is a development we should all be proud of; it is only through your tireless advocacy that we will increase access to and participation in a government we must all own.
Read the whole letter after the jump.
Dear Reader:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your advocacy and vocal opposition to Councilman Jim Kenney’s proposal last week to eliminate the campaign contribution limits all candidates are currently operating under. Because of your outcry, it has been reported by this blog that Councilman Kenney has decided to pursue alternative measures to the “outright contribution cap elimination” proposal that was introduced last week. This is a development we should all be proud of; it is only through your tireless advocacy that we will increase access to and participation in a government we must all own.
Upon learning of Councilman Kenney’s intent, I immediately sent a letter to all councilpersons asking them to vote down this measure as reported on this blog. I am pleased to learn that one alternative being considered was one I suggested in my letter: increasing the “multiple” by which individual donation limits are increased based on escalating expenditures by a self-funded candidate in the race. Coupled with requirements for 24-hour disclosure of any donation over a set amount (i.e., $1,000), this would move toward leveling the playing field while maintaining public scrutiny and preventing a return to the “Wild-West” days of old.
What I am most proud of, however, is that another reported alternative being considered by Councilman Kenney is public financing of elections. As many of you know, I proposed this measure over a year ago as a method that I believe will increase access to our government and participation in our elections. Together with Council President Anna Verna and Councilwoman Marian Tasco, we proposed a hearing process that would gather input from various citizens and organizations throughout the City on how best to design a system of public financing of elections following these upcoming municipal races. Public financing has been in existence in New York and several other municipalities throughout the country for some time now; we should study what has worked well and adapt it to Philadelphia in a way that makes sense.
I look forward to working with Councilman Kenney, other council members, and any interested parties in designing the best campaign finance system for Philadelphia. We must harness the outpouring of advocacy and citizen interest against such an obvious step backward and instead utilize it to move Philadelphia forward. I stand ready, willing and eager to do just that.
Dwight Evans
Comments (3)
I actually thought Kenney's bill was a great idea, and I still do!
Posted by Andy Daven | February 6, 2007 12:48 AM
Bob, what are you doing posting here under a psuedonym?
Posted by Patricio | February 6, 2007 3:06 AM
I'm glad you had something intelligent to say (not). Reminder, I'm supporting Chaka as of yet, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to recognize some good Brady qualities. Now, why don't you try a post related to the issues at hand, and not juvenile quips.
Posted by Andy Daven | February 6, 2007 9:13 AM