HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-85 Committee of the Whole fanmm#f Evert
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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.
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Following further discussion, Councilman Beck suggested that
the bill be scheduled for another meeting and set down for public
hearing. In light of opposition voiced by Councilman Taylor and others ,
it was decided to set another hearing of the Committee of the Whole for
Monday, January 28th at 3 : 45 p.m. There being no further discussion the
meeting was adjourned at 4: 35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverlie J. Beck, President