Baltimore City Council considers awarding up to $1.7 million in public funds to mayoral campaigns
The Baltimore City Council began Monday to consider allowing mayoral campaigns to receive up to $1.7 million each in public money, part of an effort to diminish the influence of corporations and wealthy individuals over government.
Legislation being introduced by Democratic Councilman Kristerfer Burnett would set rules and benefits for candidates to use taxpayer money from a fund voters authorized last year. To receive money, campaigns would have to agree to cap donations from private backers at $150 apiece.
Burnett said on the council floor Monday that the fund is designed to “reduce the impact that big money from big donors has on our elections here in Baltimore city.”
The idea behind the push — set forth in a preamble to the legislation — is to free candidates from having to seek big-dollar donations from corporations or other interests, who might then expect special treatment in return. It’s designed to give candidates more time to focus instead on persuading voters.
Read more: https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-ci-elections-fund-20190624-story.html