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# Good government
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/good-government/
- Published: 2006-11-08T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T22:04:04.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import

In an attempt to simplify and clarify a voter approved initiative prohibiting kickbacks to elected officials in exchange for votes, the council chose to place the Good Government Act of 2006 on the ballot.

If approved, Measure W would replace current restrictions on gift giving or campaign contributions in exchange for a “yes” vote in favor of those giving the gift, with prohibitions against any gift giving of over $50, regardless of the vote. One person could not give gifts totaling more than $250 a year. City officials would also be prohibited from making decisions on issues in which the party directly involved is negotiating, or has any arrangement concerning current, future, or prospective employment with that official.

The act would replace the Oak’s Initiative, or Prop. LL, passed by nearly 60 percent of voters in 2000\. City Hall tried sued the City Clerk’s Office to have the Oaks Initiative ruled unconstitutional because it believed the law prevents residents and others from participating in the electoral process, discourages public participation on boards and commissions, and is too burdensome and confusing to be complied with correctly, forcing part-time politicians to hire expensive, expert treasurers to make sure they aren’t violating the law.

Those opposed to the act, including the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, claim elected officials are doing away with the law because it limits their ability to raise funds for their re-election campaigns. They say the act proposed would weaken current standards and allow for City Council members and others to receive kick backs in exchange for their votes.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 8, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/110806.pdf?ref=smdp.com)