COSTA MESA/NEWPORT/IRVINE : IRVINE : League to Discuss Campaign Reforms

The League of Women Voters is putting the finishing touches on tough new campaign reforms it hopes the City Council will approve later this year.

The proposed rules, which are the subject of a public meeting tonight, would close what reformers consider loopholes in existing campaign regulations.

“We see this as the next step,” said Linda Brown, co-chair of the league’s Irvine chapter. “Irvine politics has generally been pretty decent and aboveboard. But we want to be proactive. We want to take action before (the rules) are abused.”

Under campaign rules adopted in 1977, a contributor can give a maximum of $190 to each candidate in an election.

But no such limit exists for political action committees (PACs) and groups that spend money to support candidates but have no official affiliation with them.

Brown said that PACs representing city employee associations as well as those set up to support or oppose certain candidates have circumvented the $190 limit.

“We are not saying that there is anything wrong or illegal about it,” Brown said. “But we do feel it has the potential for problems. People with a lot of money could come in and truly influence the election.”

The league’s new rules would extend the $190 limit to PACs.

They would also prohibit PACs and other independent committees from transferring money to a candidate’s campaign war chest.

City employees would be barred from asking firms that do business with the city to contribute to a candidate’s campaign.

The league has presented the proposal to all five council members. Some, including Councilwoman Paula Werner, have expressed support.

“If this closes some of the loopholes, it makes it more fair for anyone to run for office in this city,” Werner said. “It’s another step toward good government.”

Brown said the changes are aimed at preventing wealthy interests from having undue influence on Irvine politics.

“We believe this will level the playing field a little between the regular citizen and someone who can attract more money,” she said. “It’s really a question of fairness.”

The league and Orange County Common Cause will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed reforms tonight at 7 at the Irvine Ranch Water District Building, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave.

Four Reforms

The League of Women Voters is seeking Irvine City Council approval for a series of campaign finance reform rules. The proposed rules would:

* Limit individual contributions to political action committees and campaign groups not affiliated with any candidate to $190.

* Prohibit political action committees and independent campaign groups from transferring funds to a candidate’s war chest.

* Prevent city employees from asking firms that do business with the city to make contributions to candidates.

* Limit direct contributions to a candidate to $190 per election cycle.

Source: Irvine League of Women Voters