By Emerson Drake
9/10/11
Too long have special interest groups been allowed to have a step-up on County voters. It’s time to make effective changes which will help protect the ordinary citizen. Here in Stanislaus County we’re between county elections so the time is right to level the playing field and empower the people.
1.We need to up the limit to $99.99 a citizen can make to a candidate without having to have his or her name divulged to people who place their self interests above those of others. It provides protection from both politicians and bosses who might take umbrage at your political choices and seek retribution for your decision. This is the same level as the state and most cities allow.
2.We need a $1,000.00 limit on personal campaign contributions and a $2,000.00 combined limit before a Board member is required to recuse themselves from and votes or discussions which would have a financial impact on the donor. This has no impact on the amount of a donation one can make but does impact a Board of Supervisor member. This limit should be in play for the four years leading up to an election and or the four years after one. This would limit special interest groups or individuals with deep pockets from influencing Board decisions inappropriately.
3.We need to stop allowing large campaign donations of $1,000.00 or more to elected department heads who then utilize these same companies for county business. This would stop the perception, real or implied, contracts with Stanislaus County can be influenced or purchased illegally.
These requests for action have been brought before the Board of Supervisors several times in the past two years.
The time for action is now.
Call, write, email, or just stop and talk with them on the street and let them know how important and timely this is.
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District 1 – Bill O'Brien
William O'Brien
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4440
ObrienW@StanCounty.com
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District 2 – Vito Chiesa
Vito Chiesa
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6440
vito.chiesa@stancounty.com
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District 3 – Terry Withrow
Terry Withrow
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6560
WithrowT@StanCounty.com
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District 4 – Dick Monteith
Dick Monteith
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4445
MonteithD@StanCounty.com
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District 5 – Jim DeMartini
Jim DeMartini
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4470
DemartiniJ@StanCounty.com
