HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0584.002 1998-2000 Tuesday, January 04, 2000
To: Hawai' i County Council Chairman James Arakaki and Councilmembers
From: Bob Jacobson RECEIVED ~
POB 900
Kurtistown, H196760 lime-.----'-------°-.-' B'y-'--'---
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I am here today, to testify in favor of Bill 184.
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to fundamentally altering the long-standing relationship
between private wealth and political democracy. In the words of Thomas Paine, the famed writer for the
American Revolution and author of Common Sense:
"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at
first a formidable cry in defence of custom."
Our long habit of not thinking it wrong, or anti-democratic, to depend on private money to finance public
elections is a prime example, and changing such a habit will take time. Given that real reform is a long-term
proposition, it is all the more important that reformers think carefully about what it is they really want to
achieve. As baseball great Yogi Berra is said to have remarked,
"If you don't know where you're going, you may end up someplace else."
I feel that this legislation honors and enforces the intent of the Hawai' i County Charter, without imposing undue
burdens on those who wish to hold public office in this county. Some may feel this legislation does not go far
enough. I think this is a good place to start. Perhaps this can send a message from Hawai' i County to state
legislators that meaningful campaign finance reform is needed at the state level.
The public and lawmakers of our County, State and Nation realize that a few well financed special interests
have the potential to exert undue influence on the elective process, government spending, enforcement of
statutes, appointees to public positions of trust, and even the basic direction our government takes. Enacting
this legislation would reduce that potential in this county. It would also help to remove public perceptions of
conflicts of interest and undue influence. Members of the business community could be assured knowing that
they could successfully do business, on a level playing field, in this county, without having to make campaign
contributions.
Some on this council have stated that the cun•ent system works. One day I spoke with a Councilmember
outside chambers. The Councilmember expressed distress at being unable to be recused on a particular vote
that day. I would also like to know how many times Councilmembers have been recused from voting on any
issue in the last two years,
As far as worrying about people trying to cheat or somehow get around this law, I am confident that current
members of this council would not knowingly violate any aspect of this legislation. I have faith that the voters
will determine if their council representative adheres to provisions of this ordinance should it pass.
Please give this important legislation due and serious consideration. Then pass it unanimously. It will help
restore confidence in our county institutions and officials to those who wish reside or do business in this county.
Mahalo, ~
Comm. No. S$4: oaz
Bob Ja son
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