December 16, 2005

Re: The California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act AB 583

Dear Editor,

Assemblywoman Loni Hancock has introduced a bill, The California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act (AB 583), that would set up a clean money system of public election funding in California. John Laird is a co-sponsor and hearings are planned for January in Sacramento. Recently in Connecticut a Democrat-controlled legislature passed a Clean Money bill which the reform-minded Republican Governor has pledged to sign. In Los Angeles, the City Council just voted unanimously to craft a clean money proposal for L.A.. Voters in six other states and two large cities have adopted public financing of campaigns.

Public financing makes politicians accountable to the electorate instead of the big donors. Candidates who agree to accept public funding must demonstrate a minimum level of support by gathering a set number of voter signatures and $5 contributions from a specific number of voters in their district. Elections become more about issues and less about raising money, creating more competition and encouraging more women and other first-time candidates to get involved. The League of Women Voters of California supports AB 583 and urges all voters to learn more about this proposed legislation by visiting www.CAClean.org

Sincerely,
     Marilyn Maxner
     President, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula