Big-money politics doesn't belong in San Mateo

Lempert wants more people to get involved in local politics. In some campaigns, candidates have raised nearly $40,000 for a seat on the San Mateo City Council. The idea of competing with that may be keeping some good-quality candidates from entering the political arena.

In recent years, there has been a dearth of viable candidates for seats on the City Council.

Have people been dissuaded by the idea that they have to raise significant money or loan themselves money? Or is it a matter of apathy?

We don't know. But limiting the amount of money received by candidates will at least encourage others to consider it. Otherwise, a seat on the City Council becomes the province of the elite.

Furthermore, there is a renewed interest in gaming in San Mateo with Proposition 68 trying to establish up to 3,000 slot machines at Bay Meadows. Even if Proposition 68 fails, you can bet on seeing the effort again. And gaming interests are known to have extremely deep pockets. Limiting the amount a casino or Indian tribe can donate to a local council candidate will remove the perception of corruption.

And it will still allow for a meaningful campaign. In the last five elections, all but 10 percent of the contributions were $250 or less. Removing 10 percent of the contributors will not limit a campaign.

It may make the campaign stronger by forcing candidates off the phone and into the neighborhoods of the people they seek to serve.

There was a time when grass-roots candidates meant something and were able to make a difference. Big money is creeping into local politics with contributions from Santa Clara County and elsewhere making their way to candidates. Where will it end?

As San Mateo grows, there will be more development and the appeal of large contributions will also grow. With that comes the inevitable perception that elections are being bought.

Special interests have a right to express themselves with a campaign contribution but big money doesn't have a place in local elections. One only has to look at Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to see what the effect of corporate or special interest donations will do to effective and accountable government.

The perception that an election can be bought must end. Enacting this smart ordinance will forever end that perception and bring a new accountability to the people of San Mateo.<