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<br />City Council Regular Meeting - 11/22/04 <br />Minutes - Page 13 <br /> <br />was appropriate for disclosure (i.e., name, address, association). <br /> <br />Professor Schultz noted that, under federal law, name, address <br />and employer was required, and the City ordinance could mirror <br />federal law; opining that the more information required, the <br />better information would be provided (i.e., name address, <br />employer, occupation). <br /> <br />Councilmember Schroeder questioned, once the limit was set, <br />what would keep someone from dividing their contribution to get <br />underneath the disclosure limits. <br /> <br />Professor Schultz opined that a lower limit would prevent <br />circumvention of the law, and it might be useful for the Council <br />to set minimal thresholds in certain circumstances. <br /> <br />Councilmember Schroeder questioned how to manage or police <br />the ordinance to ensure compliance. <br /> <br />Professor Schultz opined that, ultimately all ordinances required <br />voluntary compliance, and it would need to be determined <br />through development of reporting forms, the total aggregate <br />amount, and require all contributors of a certain amount, and <br />how those documents would be audited, hoping that people were <br />honest. <br /> <br />Councilmember Ihlan noted that the reporting forms usually <br />require a signature and statement attesting accuracy, and noting a <br />penalty for any violations. Councilmember Ihlan questioned if <br />the ordinance would accomplish anything, and why the need for <br />making it a requirement under City Code, and not just a <br />voluntary disclosure. <br /> <br />Professor Schultz opined that such an ordinance was good public <br />policy and produced good government for citizens. Professor <br />Schultz further opined that such a document should be readable <br />by citizens to make it meaningful. <br /> <br />Councilmember Schroeder sought Professor Schultz' reaction <br />whether this ordinance may push a candidate to self-finance their <br />entire campaign, which could favor an incumbent since they're <br />