Long Beach : Ordinance Limits Council Mailings in Election Year

Officials tightened the city’s campaign policies Tuesday, prohibiting incumbent council members from mailing flyers at the public’s expense during an election year.

An incumbent running for reelection may not mail more than 200 newsletters, reports, surveys or questionnaires unless they are sending city residents an invitation to a public meeting or to an official event. Mail also may be sent in response to an unsolicited request.

“This is to make sure elected officials can continue their duty but not abuse their power . . . to benefit their reelection,” Vice Mayor Jeffrey A. Kellogg said.

The city ordinance is similar to a state law prohibiting mass mailings that California voters repealed two years ago. Some council members were criticized during this spring’s campaign for sending official mailers that allegedly promoted their candidacies.