Position Statement
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUDSONP.O. Box 331
Hudson, OH 44236
Hudson HUB Times:
Re: Writing in support of Ordinance No. 08-82 before the Hudson City Council for the third reading on Wednesday.
The League of Women Voters of Hudson supports passage of proposed Ordinance No. 08-82. It would limit monetary campaign contributions, loans, and in-kind contributions to $100 from any person, campaign committee, political party or political action committee within any calendar year.
The League's position on campaign financing states that "… methods of financing political campaigns should ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office and allow maximum citizen participation in the political process." We believe that the proposed legislation meets these objectives.
Hudson takes justifiable pride in a tradition of nonpartisan campaigns among citizens willing to volunteer considerable time to serve our community. Injecting large sums of money and in-kind contributions from partisan or special interests destroys that tradition. It gives rise to the kind of negative tactics associated with partisan politics, increases voter cynicism, and raises suspicions of influence-buying that have heretofore been absent from our local campaigns. Limiting contributions is a necessary step to maintain traditions that have served us well.
A one hundred dollar contribution limit is reasonable. It is not outside the means of the average citizen, and should encourage participation since people can be confident that their voices will not be drowned out by those with deeper pockets.
The contribution limitation still allows candidates to mount credible campaigns on a level playing field. Campaigns in Hudson should not require vast sums of money. Organizations like the League of Women Voters, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce offer opportunities to meet and question candidates directly. Both the Hub-Times and our local cable television network cover the candidates extensively.
The infusion of large contributions into our local politics is unwarranted and potentially destructive. The League of Women Voters therefore encourages passage of Ordinance No. 08-82.
Sincerely,
Belinda Wing/LWV Hudson President