IRVINE : Campaign Finance Reform Airing Set

The City Council tonight will discuss a campaign finance reform proposal aimed at closing election-law loopholes.

The reforms, proposed by the Irvine League of Women Voters, probably will undergo review by the city attorney.

Under campaign rules adopted in 1977, a contributor can give a maximum of $190 to each candidate in an Irvine election.

But the $190 limit does not apply to political action committees and other groups that have no official connection to a candidate.

The new proposals would extend the $190 cap to PACs and other “independent” campaign groups. The reforms would also prohibit city employees from asking firms that do business with Irvine to contribute to a candidate’s campaign.

Tonight’s meeting will also feature a briefing from the Irvine Co. on a proposal to create affordable housing units for seniors.