08-12-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING A11CUST 1 2 , 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) this area, we should not rush head long into a program of reform which is not well con- ceived and capable of curing the actual problems. The ordinance being considered is overzealous in its restrictions of some activities and totally lacking in its avoidance of others. While we do not feel that a public official should use his office to coerce a person into making political contributions, we also do not feel that public officials or public employees should be prohibited from participating in this aspect of the political process. Similarily, we feel that the ordinance is too restrictive in prohibiting policemen and firemen from any type of political activity when it does not affect the performance of their duty. While misuse of public positions should be prohibited, public employees should not be reduced to 2nd class citizen status. The UAW is not opposed to the principle of campaign contributions of any reasonable amount but feel that the evil occurs when favors are returned by officials to the con- tributors. We feel the best possible way of safeguarding against this type of special interest group favors is through complete disclosures of campaign contributions. This would provide the public with a better format for understanding the sometimes puzzling decisions reached particularly with respects to business interest groups by public officials. While we of the UAW believe this ordinance was initiated with honorable intentions, we do not feel that it is the best possible approach to the problem and therefore oppose passage of it at this time. Yours very truly, s/ Phil D. Crone, Chairman St. Joseph County UAW CAP Council Mrs. Margaret Kenney, 1329 North St. Joseph Street, representing the League of Women Voters, stated that the league approved the concept of a fair campaign ordinance. She hoped there could bE a section added on disclosure before election, and that any person of voting age may make the maximum contribution of $100. She stated there should be a limit on party contributions. She concluded by stating that the league suggested that an Elections Commission be established to enforce the ordinance independently. Mr4 Ed Soltesz, 402 Altgeld, indicated that he was to speak on behalf of the UAW CAP Council. He stated that the letter written by Mr. Crone and read by the City Clerk spoke for itself, and he hoped every member of the Council would read and study the letter. Mr. Maurice Cohen, 725 East Eckman Street, supported Council President Nemeth's ordinance wholeheartedly. He felt the 1% club was very unfair and employees should not be forced to contri- bute funds in order to keep their jobs with the city. Mr. W. Joseph Doran -, St. Joseph County Democratic Chairman, residing at 1119 North Francis Street, talked about campaign reform and the integrity of the former county chairman and himself. He felt the system was great as long as it was properly accounted for. He felt the ordinance was restricting some people; however, he stated that he was not against the ordinance. He stated that he has turned the books of the Central Committee over to an accounting firm to be audited, and this was not required of him to do. He talked about the state 2% club and felt it was needed to cover costs and expenses incurred; howeve3 he felt it was wrong to force an employee to contribute. He felt the system was working,and he concurred with the ordinance provided that further study be given and participation be encouraged rather than restricted. Ms. Patricia Barrett, 710 Park Avenue, representing the Women's Political Caucus, stated that the caucus supported the concept of the proposed ordinance but suggested cer- tain amendments: Striking the phrase "or other political purpose" in Section III (f) because of its broadness. Amend Section VII (b) regarding the personal contribution of $100, as follows: No person shall contribute to any candidate or political committee from his or her personal funds or the personal funds of his or her minor children a sum in excess of $100. Either spouse may make a contribution in his or her own name of a sum not to exceed $100 from family funds. For the purposes of this subsection, "minor children" includes all children under the age of 18, "family funds" shall be defined as the funds of either spouse. Amend Section VII (e) regarding the filing of a sworn statement, as follows: In addition to . shall file a sworn statement listing the names and addresses of contributors who have contributed not less than, $25 nor more than $100 and the amount of each contribution. In addition, the sum total of contributions received in amounts less than $25 shall also be listed. This sworn statement shall also include the total amount of expenditures made by the candidate or on his behalf. Ms. Barrett further recommended that the ordinance state specifically with whom or what office the sworn statement should be properly and legally filed. She objected to the usage of masculine pronouns in the language laws and suggested that an effort be made to eliminate sex discrimination in the usage of the masculine pronouns only. Mrs. Elsie Breit, 3017 Ford Street, talked about a certain official who did not require his employees to contribute to the 1% club. She stated that this person, himself, has never contributed to the 1% club. She felt that, if politics was not involved in the Police Department and Fire Department, the problems that existed now would not be present. Mr. James Roemer, City Attorney, felt campaign reform was a worthwhile subject. He stated that he had presented a seven -page legal opinion to Council President Nemeth, with copies to the other Council members, in response to a request by the Council President. He talked about pre - emption of the state regarding campaign reform, such as political contributions, and penalties for coercement. He stated that the -city could not attempt to govern civil relationship. He talker about the Hatch Act which prohibited federal employees from being involved in political campaigns. He stated that he had some serious constitutional questions concerning the vagueness of the ordinax He indicated that the amendments proposed by Council President. Nemeth, in his opinion, might not answer all objections to the ordinance. He hoped further time could be given to the study of the proposed amendments and any further amendments to the ordinance. He talked about disclosure of personal finances of candidates as an issue to consider. Council President Nemeth asked that those persons who had made suggestions or amendments to the ordinance leave a copy of those amendments with the City Clerk in order that the Council could consider all the suggestions. :e.