Countywide : Supervisor Urges Donation Limits

Ventura County Supervisor Maria VanderKolk has proposed an ordinance that would set new limits on campaign contributions for anyone running for a county office.

The ordinance, which will be considered Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors, would limit individuals to no more than $250 in campaign contributions for each candidate per year.

When VanderKolk campaigned last year to defeat Madge L. Schaefer she insisted on accepting no campaign contribution larger than $250 per person. She collected $11,789 in campaign funds between January and November, 1990, according to financial statements.

“Elected officials are fighting a losing battle against public perception--a perception that politicians at all levels are bought and paid for,” VanderKolk said in a letter to the other supervisors.

Supervisor Maggie Erickson Kildee said, however, that she believes the limits are not needed.

“If I saw a lot of abuse or elections being bought, I guess I’d see the point,” she said. “It doesn’t seem necessary.”

Supervisors John K. Flynn, Susan Lacey and Vicky Howard could not be reached for comment. VanderKolk’s ordinance would also limit political committees to contribute no more than $600 for each candidate per year.