Clean Elections news--2008

[eridani]

Community Briefings on Voter-Owned Elections

Dear Friend,

We have an unprecedented opportunity to change forever how campaigns are financed in Seattle, for mayor and city council. This can empower neighborhoods and community organizations like never before - providing public financing of campaigns to level the financial playing field.

Our Local Option bill has now been signed into law, and the City and County now have permission to enact an ordinance, and place it on November ballot for voter approval. Conceivably, a public financing program could be in effect for next year's municipal and county elections! - if we support it and gain voter approval.

Under Voter-Owned Elections, anyone with community support can qualify to receive public funds, sufficient to run a credible campaign. No more dialing for dollars; no more catering to wealthy interests. Local government can more truly represent the diversity of our city.

Please join us at one of the Community Briefings, listed below, to learn more about this opportunity, and what we must do - without delay - to achieve this in Seattle and perhaps King County.

Kindly RSVP, so we'll have enough information packets - but come, bring friends and co-workers regardless.

Questions? wpc {at} washclean.org 206-784-2522

March 26th, 7 p.m. - Seattle Central Community College
Broadway at E. Pike (Room to be announced - check our website:
http://www.washclean.org/voter-owned.htm

March 27, 11:45 a.m. (no-host lunch, order off the menu)
Portage Bay Cafe, 4140 Roosevelt Way NE (parking in rear)

March 30, 3:30 p.m. - Northgate Library

10548 5th Ave NE (east of Northgate Mall)

April 2, 5:30 p.m. - Seattle Central Community College
Broadway and E. Pike (Room to be announced)

____________ _______
Craig Salins
Executive Director
WA Public Campaigns
craig {at} washclean. org
206-949-3285 (cell)
206-784-2522 (office)
206-784-9695 (home/ofc #2)



UPCOMING Events on Voter-Owned Elections

The legislature has passed and the Governor has signed the Local Option bill - cities and counties now can create programs offering public financing to candidates for local office.

Under the law, any local program must be submitted to voters of the district, for approval or rejection in a local referendum.

The City of Seattle, King County, and the Seattle Port are all considering such models - and the Seattle City Council seems eager to enact an ordinance this year (by July), to place it before voters in November. But it needs community awareness and support!

Washington Public Campaigns wants community groups and voters to know of this opportunity - to fundamentally change how local campaigns are financed, opening up elections to the non-wealthy, more women, more minorities, more representatives of working people. We have developed model programs for consideration by cities and counties.



PUBLIC HEARING - KING COUNTY COUNCIL


Thursday, March 27th - 9:30 a.m.
King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave, Seattle
Room 1001 (Council chambers), 10th floor


The General Government Committee of the King County Council will hear views of voters in public testimony regarding proposals to establish a Voter-Owned Elections program for King County.

A packed audience - including some willing to speak up - will demonstrate public support for a Voter-Owned Elections program in coming months.