Guest Opinion | Margaret McAustin: Listen to the People

The City Council recently took an action not to accept the state’s recently enacted limit of $4,900. per contributor for our local elections. Instead, the council authorized an ordinance codifying the existing practice in Pasadena which says there are no limits on campaign contributions. This was a missed opportunity. A better way to address campaign contribution limits would be to do what we so often do in Pasadena, allow our residents/voters to weigh in on how campaign finance is handled in Pasadena. It’s not too late. I understand the item has been referred to the Legislative Policy Committee, where further action could be recommended.

In Pasadena we pride ourselves on being leaders in municipal government not always doing what the State does. It is common for Pasadena to enact progressive legislation only to see numerous other cities use our ordinances as models for their own cities. We can be leaders in local campaign finance reform too. Our designation as a Charter City allows us more opportunity to make our own local rules and regulations, and the City often uses our status as a charter city to do just that. The Council should hear from the residents of Pasadena on how THEY want to see our campaigns run. Maybe they want to allow unlimited contributions, but unless the Council convenes a citizen committee to examine the matter, we won’t know.

I believe one of our strengths is the close connection between our representatives and our residents. If we want to keep it that way, we need to enact some local limits on campaign contributions.

It’s true we can’t stop the influence of outside groups making independent expenditures on behalf of candidates. But we can make sure the money that goes to elect our representatives here comes primarily from Pasadena residents.

I would add that allowing unlimited campaign contributions inherently benefits men, particularly white men. Women and minorities have been underrepresented on the City Council since its inception. Male privilege has allowed men to dominate the city council for years, partially because of their access to money and power. If we can level the playing field, we should do so.

I urge the city council to convene a citizen task force to examine campaign finance in Pasadena and let our residents have the last word on the issue.

Margaret McAustin
City Council Member
2007-2020