By Mary Kay Gordon Santa Monica
While listening to Councilmembers discuss among themselves the pros and cons of public campaign financing and negative campaigns at City Council’s Oct. 23 meeting, I was struck by how personal their discussion was (i.e. — relative to their own experiences), and hence, the decision was made that Santa Monica is well served by the status quo, for now.
This, in spite of a large roster of citizens — many representing high profile community groups, who prior to Council’s vote, presented pro-active, well-informed and thoughtful reasons why this now-national debate should continue to be studied and discussed in our city.
Among the many reasons stated, an important one for Santa Monica would be the leveling of the playing field for more women and minorities to run for office. This has been proven to be the case in other states that have public financing.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 1, 2007. Read the original PDF.