Almaden Resident

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SJ mayor wants public funding for elections

Gonzales proposes putting an end to private funding

By Monica Heger

San Jose residents could be sending approximately $4 per year to candidates' coffers if Mayor Ron Gonzales' proposal for publicly financed campaigns is approved.

At a press conference on March 23, Gonzales proposed having publicly funded campaigns for future mayoral and city council elections. His recommendation would eliminate political fundraising and private contributions.

"The time is right to ensure San Jose voters are in the driver's seat," Gonzales said. "There remains a strong perception that campaign money influences the way candidates vote. It's time to throw out private contributions."

Gonzales recommended the city council direct the elections commission to develop a specific proposal by August. The June 2006 elections will not be affected by the proposal. If approved, the proposal would be effective until June 2008.

Gonzales said having candidates who are uninfluenced by campaign contributions is an advantage.

He proposed the change because of public perception, rather than a personal belief that candidates are actually being influenced by campaign contributions. The maximum allowable contribution is only $500, he added.

Another advantage, according to Gonzales, is that publicly financed campaigns will level the playing field for candidates and enable more diverse candidates to run.

The question of how to finance the elections, which are estimated to cost between $2 and $3 million, is one that will be studied by the elections commission. While $2 to $3 million might seem like a lot, Gonzales said that amount breaks down to around $4 per year per person. Most likely, a portion of the money will come out of the General Fund. If the commission recommends that more taxes be raised, the public would be required to vote on the increase.

The concept of publicly financed campaigns is not new. Maine, Arizona and the city of Portland offer full public financing. Other cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, offer partial public financing.

Gonzales' proposal came two days after he criticized plans to implement sunshine laws intended to create more transparency in city hall following a series of controversial decisions, including the city's garbage contract with Norcal and approval of the Grand Prix race this summer (see story, page 5). He raised concerns about the additional costs of such a plan.