Title
a. Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral 2024.14 (Adams) regarding the proposed creation of a policy that reforms campaign finance and creates term limits for the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral 2024.14 (Adams) regarding the proposed creation of a policy that reforms campaign finance and creates term limits for the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY:
On October 18, 2024, Supervisor Adams submitted a referral (Referral Number 2024.14) as follows: “Campaign finance reform is critical to ensure elections are fair and equitable without the influence of donors who contribute large sums to candidates seeking elected office. This referral seeks to limit the raising and spending of money in campaigns for public office. This referral directs staff to look at comparable government entities for existing campaign finance reform to identify an appropriate limit on a single donation. Additionally, this referral seeks to limit the number of terms for the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors. Following the lead of the California State Legislature, this referral directs staff to create a policy of a three-term limit or total of 12 years in office for each member serving on the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors.”
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code section 25000 permits the Board of Supervisors to limit the number of terms a supervisor may serve, so long as the limit is at least two terms. Additionally, the County may enact contribution limits that are stricter than current state law. Pursuant to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, the contribution limits for County Board of Supervisors in 2023-2024 is $5,500 per person per election.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Not applicable.
FINANCING:
It is anticipated that sta...
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