SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Council Boosts Limit on Campaign Gifts
The limit on campaign contributions from individuals to City Council candidates was increased this week from $100 to $250 after a 3-2 council vote.
The council voted Tuesday night to rewrite the 19-year-old city ordinance and increase the limit for the Nov. 3 City Council election. Councilman Gary L. Hausdorfer said he proposed the new limit to update the law.
Hausdorfer, who is not up for reelection, said he believes that $100 in 1973 had nearly the same value as $250 today. He added that any benefit in increasing the allowable campaign contributions would be enjoyed by challengers rather than council incumbents.
Councilmen Jerry Harris and Jeff Vasquez cast the dissenting votes.
“Our $100 limit is fine. . . . San Juan Capistrano is a small town, and I see no need to review our limit,” Vasquez said.
The seats now held by Harris and Councilman Kenneth E. Friess will expire in November. Harris has already filed his candidacy papers, while Friess has indicated that he will not run for reelection.
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