01-14-85 Committee of the Whole - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

fanmm#f Evert Wit tie Motto= Counttl of tie ettg of l'outli Mend: COM'IITTEE OF, THE WHOLE The January 14, 1985 meeting of the Committee of the Whole was called to order by Council President Beck at 3 :45 p .m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen Serge, Beck, Puzzello, Voorde, Crone, Braboy, Paszek, and Zakrzewski and Taylor, Steven Drendall, Mr. N. Primuis, Mr. Henry Paskin, Rich Hill , Glenda Rae Hernandez, members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. President Beck noted that the meeting was called to discuss Bill No 138-84 which addresses Fair Campaign Practices . Tyr, Hill explained that the Council ordinance had several flaws in light of current Indiana State law. Overall he believes it is unenforceable. He noted that an Attorney General' s opinion issued September 26, 1983 found that since another State agency has been given authority over elections that the City could not legislate in this area He also made reference to I.C. , 36-1-3-8(7) which lists specific powers prohibited to governmental units. Mr: Hill and Mr. , Parker did extensive research in this area and on November, 14, 1983 issued an opinion which concurred with the Attorney General's- opinion. , The members of Common Cause who were present noted that many individuals filing election forms wrong and would have been subject to severe State penalties. They saw a need for a local ordinance which would be "fine-tuned". They believe that disclosure is the most important factor of the law. A handout listing campaign contributions was passed out to the Council (copy attached) . A copy of a Michiana Point of View written by Mr. Drendall is also attached. Councilman Paszek perferred operating under the State law rather than the City legislating in this area Councilman Taylor voiced an "obvious need" to retune campaign financing.and he did not want to loose the need for reform. Councilman Beck believed the whole area was "a can of worms". Councilman Voorde noted that some Councilmen see a need to adopt an ordinance which serves the City' s need. Councilman Crone noted that the filing procedures are presently the same as the State requirements . The local ordinance limits the amount of contribution, limits the amount of expenditures, and would have its own commission. The spending limitation would be for a Councilman at $25,000 in the primary and $25 ,000 in the general election. Councilman Braboy questioned how restraints could be placed on outside groups. Councilman Voorde questioned the Council Attorney as to whether she could give further background in this area. She noted that she would be willing to work with the Council. FREE PRESS PUBLISHING CO. - _