CC_Minutes_2004_1122 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Regular Meeting - 11/22/04 Minutes - Page 12 such contributions provided an impact on decision-making revealing a need for change and evidence of where the problems existed. Professor Schultz concluded that the proposed ordinance was good law as far as a first step, opining that a $100 contribution disclosure may represent a good first compromise. Councilmember Ihlan requested Professor Schultz' opInIon on timing of the ordinance, proposed for enactment by January 1, 2005. Professor Schultz deferred to the City Attorney as to timing of readings, opining that it made sense to have the ordinance applicable for the entire calendar year to cover the entire election cycle. Councilmember Maschka questioned whether there was an unintended consequence to such an ordinance in favoring the incumbent, given fundraising availability and sources. Professor Schultz responded that disclosure laws were different than contribution limits, which were set by the State of Minnesota. Professor Schultz opined that there wasn't much evidence that disclosure laws hampered overall fundraising; and that while requiring disclosure over $100 may preclude them giving that without being anonymous and might dissuade some people, a trade off was that Roseville was making a clear policy statement. Councilmember Kough questioned how a candidate could control fundraising from independent campaign committees formed on behalf of that candidate and not within the candidate's accountability control. Professor Schultz opined that the City could amend the ordinance to include or exclude independent committees, and provide clear labeling requirements, via ordinance, of any campaign literature or advertisement. Councilmember Schroeder questioned what type of information