IRVINE : Campaign Spending Limit Plan Is Criticized as Elitist

A plan to impose the city’s first limits on campaign spending by independent groups is drawing criticism from some who say that it would favor wealthy candidates for public office.

The City Council approved the proposal Tuesday, but voter approval is required before it can take effect. The measure is set to be on the November, 1996, ballot.

The ordinance would raise the limit on personal contributions to candidates from $190 to $300. The same limit would apply to expenditures by independent organizations.

Councilman Barry J. Hammond cast the only vote against the ordinance, saying the spending limits placed on independent groups would favor wealthy candidates because no cap would be placed on expenditure of candidates’ personal funds.

Hammond said the limits also give advantage to labor unions with large memberships, which could generate sizable campaign contributions by encouraging individual donations.

“What has balanced our elections in the past has been the opportunity for people to independently get together and put something together for the candidate,” Hammond said. “This ordinance virtually eliminates that opportunity.”

Irvine City Atty. Joel D. Kuperberg has noted that a similar campaign finance ordinance in Huntington Beach is being challenged in court.

Councilman Greg Smith said that, while Hammond’s concerns have merit, the new limits are needed to restore public trust in elected officials. Representatives from the League of Women Voters, Common Cause and TIN CUP political activist groups have said they would oppose the ordinance without limits on spending by independent committees.