We did debate this earlier and when we did earlier, I was at a loss to
figure out what the issue that Mr. Rybak was pursuing. In his comments, he
says that candidates should have to disclose contributions from
corporations. It is illegal for campaigns to accept any money from
corporations. The fine for violating this for the corporation shall be not
more than $40,000.
He says that candidates should have to disclose contributions from
individuals because they may be affiliated with businesses. Candidates are
already required to disclose all contributions by an individual over $100.
That disclosure requires not only the individual's name and address, it
requires their employer also. These are available to anyone who wants to
see them. Failure to do so can result in a conviction for the treasurer and
loss of office for the candidate. These donations are capped at $500 for an
individual, by the way.
Bundling of checks (writing a bunch of small checks to avoid limits) is
prohibited. Anonymous donations are prohibited. So the only thing that
could be at issue here is whether someone could be buying secret influence
with a donation below $100, something that I strongly doubt.
I do believe campaign finance is an issue. But I believe this is an issue
that is very very big at the federal level, somewhat of an issue at the
state level, and not really an issue at the local level.
Carol Becker
Longfellow
----- Original Message -----
From: R.T.Rybak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Mpls@Mnforum. Org <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 5:09 AM
Subject: [Mpls] Campaign cash and conflicts
> The opening statement I made at last night's candidate debate is now live
on
> my website:
> www.rtformayor.com )
>
> With our tax bills soaring, and the city's financial condition
> deteriorating, the next Mayor will be facing some very serious fiscal
> choices. So taxpayers have a right to know that the next Mayor can act
> independently.
>
> That's why at last night's debate, when I was given a chance to question
the
> other candidates, I asked:
>
> "Since you have both refused to join me in releasing the names of your
> contributors, could you at least tell the taxpayers whether you have, or
> will, take money from companies or individuals that compromise your
ability
> to make independent decisions on behalf of the taxpayers, including:
> developers with multi-million dollar projects before the city, like
> Brookfield and Ryan,
>
> companies with major environmental conflicts with the citizens, like
> Northwest Airlines and American Iron, and
>
> companies or individuals involved with the plan to build a stadium.
>
> If a candidate has taken money from someone who could profit from their
> decisions,--but the candidate can make a case that they will still be able
> to make an independent decision....then make the case and we can move on.
>
> But people have a right to know.
>
> We are running very different types of campaigns. When this began, I was
> given a play for a half million dollar campaign but said no because it
would
> force me to take large contributions that would tie my hands when I got to
> City Hall. So we have built a grass roots network of supporters and, to
> date, have had an all volunteer staff.
>
> The three other candidates are all planning to spend more than $1 for
every
> resident in the city.....probably about $5 for every primary voter.
>
> Meanwhile they are having fundraisers hosted by people and initials who
> currently have business before the city.
>
> So when you see that big ad for another candidate in the paper, or get a
> paid phone call from a polling company, ask who pays for it.
>
> And ask who will walk into City Hall without the conflicts that will keep
> the next Mayor from making the tough choices that will have to be made.
>
> R.T.Rybak
> www.rtformayor.com
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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