2.52.010 Purpose and intent.
This chapter is intended to supplement the Political Reform Act of 1974 (California Government Code Sections 81000, et seq.) (the “PRA”), and the implementing regulations adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission (the “FPPC”) (see California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 6, Sections 18110 through 18997). All local candidates should be aware that they must comply with this chapter, as well as the PRA and the FPPC regulations, when participating in a local election campaign.
Sections 81013 and 85703(a) of the PRA authorize the City Council to adopt contribution limitations and prohibitions applicable to elections for local elective office. In enacting this chapter, the City Council finds and declares that moderate monetary contributions to political campaigns are a legitimate form of participation in the American political process. It is the policy of this City to protect the integrity of the electoral process, and to serve the best interests of the citizens of this City by regulating campaign finance.
Inherent in the high cost of election campaigning is the problem of improper influence, real or potential, exercised by campaign contributors over elected officials. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter:
A. To preserve an orderly political forum in which individuals may express themselves effectively;
B. To place realistic and enforceable limits on the amounts of money that may be contributed to political campaigns in City elections;
C. To prevent corruption and avoid the appearance of corruption by regulating campaign contributions to candidates for local elective office;
D. To provide full and fair enforcement of all the provisions of this chapter; and
E. To encourage candidate adherence to election regulations by making them easier to understand. (Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).