City May End Limit on Campaign Gifts

In preparation for the November election, the council will consider an urgency ordinance Monday that would eliminate a city campaign contribution limit.

If passed on at least a four-fifths vote, the limit would be lifted immediately.

The city had imposed the limit, which allowed candidates to raise as much as $250 from a single source, to comply with the 1996 Political Reform Act.

But since the state measure was ruled illegal by an appeals court in January, city officials say they needed to strike the local law.

“We need to clarify what rules and laws are in effect for the upcoming campaign,” said Sherri Butterfield, one of three council members whose terms expire in November.

“This [proposed ordinance] is trying to bring our practices in line with what’s being done on the state level.”

Under the urgency ordinance, state campaign laws would be in effect; currently, there are no limits placed on a single donation.

The 6 p.m. meeting will take place at City Hall, 25909 Pala. Information: (714) 470-3000.