Limiting election spending

A Letter today in the Daily Journal from Patrick Jensen:

In response to your March 24, 2005 article entitled Schools seek new playgrounds?:

Let the scuffs and scrapes of Burlingame's schoolchildren trouble the consciences of our elected officials and candidates for Burlingame City Council in this coming election. $50,000 is a drop in the collective bucket. McKinley schoolchildren should not be playing on antiquated and dangerous equipment. What better way to show a candidate really cares about Burlingame's future then by voluntarily limiting campaign spending and differing all excess to Burlingame schools ? The 2005 Burlingame City Council election is poised to be the most expensive election in city history. In 2003, there were only six candidates. In that election, total expenditures came to almost $120,000. That could pay for gold plated twisty slides and diamond encrusted jungle-gyms!

With as many as 10 or more candidates looking for a seat, even if they limit themselves to $10,000 a piece, we are still talking about a $100,000 election. THIS IS WRONG!!! It would be nice if all the candidates abided by serious spending limits. In a time when the Burlingame schools are suffering, when the city can't afford crossing guards, when the city is dipping into reserves to fund its normal operation, candidates should not be spending exorbitant amounts to get on the council

Patrick, you truly are a breath of fresh air in Burlingame politics!

- Written by Fiona

Comments

[Jim]

Maybe each candidate could "donate" $5,000 to the crossing guard fund - that would still come up short for the sums needed but it would be a great start.

Wonder who will be hiring Coffey/Janney's political consultant of yesteryear - whatever his name was. There were some major mistakes in that campaign but am sure lessons were learned. Mrs. Nagel's campaign manager would probably be a better bet!

[Brian]

Patrick, I think your thoughts are very noble about campaign spending. Personally, i think there should be a ceiling on local campaign spending in order to level the playing field. San Mateo city council debated this subject too. But I don't think most of our present leaders will go for it.

Just look at what is happening right now. Gene Condon has hired a person to run his campaign. Her name if Barbara Meskunas. There are over 100 replys on google about her. She is knee deep in San Francisco politics and one has to wonder why mr. condon is bringing someone like that to run his campaign and how much he is paying for her help. What happened to grass roots politics in little old burlingame? Just a thought. It would be helpful if candidates that announce they are running also announce where they stand on important issues. Why announce early if nobody knows where you stand?

I also predict that political action commitees (PACS) will be formed to fund money to "friendly" candidates this year.

Voters, follow the money, connect the dots and be aware this November. Ask questions of all the candidates. Educate yourself on where these candidates stand on everything from Safeway to trees. Don't just vote for someone because "they are respected in the community." Is nice that they are thought of well but the silence is deafening.

[Jim]

What did the political consultant (McGovern?) get paid by the MMs the last time round?

Whatever it was, hope they thought it was a bargain!

[al]

I thought it was interesting that the first thing we learned about Gene Condon's candidacy was that he had hired a campaign consultant. That causes me to wonder about everything he says from here on out. Is it what he really thinks or the calculated consultant recommendations? Bring on the debates where there is no coaching.

[Fiona]

I agree with you about the debates especially because there are so many candidates. Debates are really the very best way to find out about the candidates, their opinions, whether they answer the questions and especially those "Is that Clear" answers. No little smears in the newspapers, no obfuscations, no misfacts in campaign brochures, no business license questions from "a concerned resident, no fuchisms, no spin, just honest to goodness questions and answers.

I am looking forward to them because they are so important to choosing our future councilmembers.