Pat Eklund Calls for Voluntary Spending Caps and Contribution Limits for Campaigns for Elective Offices in Marin County

By Pat Eklund

Eklund wants to level the playing field for qualified candidates.

"When candidates for office in Marin have a level playing field, voters are the winners," said Eklund. "Campaign finance reform has worked well in Novato and many other cities and counties. It's time for Marin to get on board."

Eklund's plan is based on the Santa Clara County model. Campaign contributions are capped at $250 per person. Spending limits are voluntary, but candidates have an incentive to agree to the caps: those who agree to abide by the voluntary spending limits can take contributions up to $500 per person.

Eklund is proposing that a citizen task force be appointed to recommend contribution and spending levels appropriate for Marin County.

At this week's Novato City Council meeting, the Council approved a combination of contribution limits together with a spending cap proposed by Eklund. "Voluntary spending limits, combined with reasonable limits on campaign contributions, will help to remove the unfair advantage enjoyed by powerful special interests, the wealthy, and the well connected," commented Eklund.