Chapter 2.28
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Sections:

2.28.010    Findings and purpose.

2.28.020    Definitions.

2.28.030    Limitations on contributions.

2.28.040    Declaration re: compliance.

2.28.060    Violation—Penalty.

2.28.010 Findings and purpose.

Pursuant to the authority granted to the City Council in Government Code Section 81013 permitting the imposition of additional local requirements to the Political Reform Act of 1974, the City Council finds that it is in the public interest to place realistic and enforceable limits on the amounts which may be contributed to political campaigns in municipal elections. (Ord. 3-98 § 1: Ord. 11-97 § 1 (part))

2.28.020 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, definitions codified in the Political Reform Act, beginning at Government Code Section 82000, et seq., shall apply with the addition of the following:

“Election” means any municipal election, whether general or special, at which the offices of Councilmember and/or Mayor are to be filled.

“With respect to a single election” means:

1.    In the case of a contribution designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the election so designated, provided that a contribution designated in writing for a particular election may be made after the election and prior to June 30th following the election only to the extent such contribution does not exceed net debts outstanding from the election.

2.    In the case of a contribution not designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the next election for the office after the contribution is made. (Ord. 3-98 § 2: Ord. 11-97 § 1 (part))

2.28.030 Limitations on contributions.

A.    No person shall make any contribution or contributions to a candidate or committee which exceeds the cumulative amount of three hundred dollars ($300), nor shall any such contribution or contributions which exceed the cumulative amount of three hundred dollars ($300) be accepted by any candidate or committee from any person with respect to a single election.

B.    The prohibitions stated in subsection A of this section shall not apply to contributions made or received in support of, or in opposition to, a ballot measure, nor shall said prohibitions apply to contributions made by a candidate to his or her campaign. (Ord. 3-98 § 3; Ord. 11-97 § 1 (part))

2.28.040 Declaration re: compliance.

A.    To ensure full compliance with this chapter, each candidate shall execute a declaration under penalty of perjury on a form provided by the City Clerk stating that such candidate did not receive any contribution or contributions totaling more than three hundred dollars ($300) from any person with respect to an election.

B.    The declaration required by subsection A of this section shall be filed with the City Clerk with each pre-election statement filed pursuant to state law and with the semi-annual statements required to be filed pursuant to state law. (Ord. 3-98 § 4; Ord. 11-97 § 1 (part))

2.28.060 Violation—Penalty.

A.    Violation of any provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B.    Whether or not a violation is inadvertent, negligent, or deliberate in the presence or absence of good faith, shall be considered in applying the penalties of this chapter. (Ord. 11-97 § 1 (part))