Title
To enact the ordinance proposed by Initiative Petition entitled "Columbus Fair Campaigns Code" to enact Chapter 107 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, to provide for a voluntary system of campaign finance reform for elections to the office of mayor and member of council, by creating voluntary limits on campaign contributions and expenditures.
Body
WHEREAS, IN 1994, the Columbus City Council empanelled the Municipal Campaign Finance Reform Advisory Committee to study and make recommendations on campaign finance reform; and
WHEREAS, on November 8,1994, the voters of Columbus passed Issue 6 to authorize enactment of campaign finance reform with such support led by the Democratic Party, and Section 200 of the City Charter was then amended to expressly authorize limits on campaign finance and contribution for elections to city offices; and
WHEREAS, no action was taken by the City Council to enact campaign finance reform pursuant to the people's 1994 vote; and
WHEREAS, in 1999 the State of Ohio instituted dollar limitations on campaign contribution that affect statewide candidates, and such limitations are appropriate for local candidates for offices as well;
WHEREAS, the proper operation of a representative democracy requires that elected public officials exercise independent judgment, act impartially, and remain responsive to the people;
WHEREAS, the city election process and city government should be protected from potential undue influence by individuals and groups making large contributions to the election campaigns of candidates for mayor and city council;
WHEREAS, the city election process and city government should be protected from even an appearance of undue influence by individuals or groups contributing to candidates for mayor and city council;
WHEREAS, the public should have justified confidence in the integrity of its government;
WHEREAS, limitations on contributions of money,services,and materials by individuals or groups to candidates for city office will promote public confidence;
WHEREAS, citizen participation in the operation of city election campaigns will enhance a broad based electoral process accountable to all citizens rather than a privileged few;
WHEREAS, enactment of this chapter is an appropriate exercise of the city's authority as a home rule municipality under Ohio law, and that the benefits of this chapter will include a more efficient, less costly election process and more responsive, effective city government;
WHEREAS, these chapters are enacted based on these findings,in furtherance ofthese policies,and is a narrowly tailored remedy to address the compelling government interests of preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption,preserving the individual citizen's confidence in government,and ensuring the integrity of the City's election system;
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Columbus has refused to enact appropriate ordinances to accomplish the goals of Issue 6 and an election process that ma intains public confidence,and has through its own transfers of large sums between incumbent council candidates campaign funds undermined confidence in the independence of members and the integrity of City elections; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
(See attachment for enacting sections of the legislation)