The Laquedem Campaign Finance Reform And School Support Plan

Rather than complain that the Commissioner of Money has raised $1 million in his bid to be mayor, let's put that energy to good use.

If most of us believe that elections are usually won by the candidate who raises the most money, then we need to change the system to reflect that. Hence the Laquedem Campaign Finance Reform and School Support Plan. (Please note: this is not the Laquedem Campaign Finance and Reform School Support Plan, though some of our candidates could use a stint in that institution.)

The plan is simple. Designate one of the five city council seats to be won by the candidate who raises the most money, net of campaign expenses: that is, the winner is the candidate with the largest campaign bank balance on election day. The campaign balances of all candidates for that seat then go to support local schools. A good group of candidates for the "money seat" could raise $4 or $5 million, at least, for the local schools.

The advantages are clear. First, the "money seat" candidates will siphon most of the campaign money available from the other races, leaving candidates in the other races on more nearly equal financial footing. Second, the campaign finance reports will double as the pre-election polls, leaving no one in doubt about where the race stands. Third, leftover money goes to the schools, which could always use a few bucks. Everybody wins!

If money is going to talk, let it speak up and not just whisper in the corner.

Comments

[Worldwide Pablo]

How sad. But, oh so true.