HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0103.014 2006-2008 Page 1 0.
Murashige, Laura
From: IRVINER002@hawaii.rccom
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:46 PM CI'~3 « 1
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Campaign Funding Resolution 4107 t ` , •
Attachments: clean elections testimony 2-07.doc t?~1~1~.,
To the Hawaii County Council:
The League of Women Voters of Hawaii would like to go on record strongly supporting
Resolution 4107.
On a national, state, and local level, the League of Women Voters has long supported
methods of financing campaigns that enable candidates to "compete more equitably for public
office and allow maximum citizen participation in the political process" Resolution 4107
supports these goals.
Public funding of elections would go far to inspire confidence in the integrity of our
elected officials. Several jurisdictions are already providing candidates with meaningful public
funding options, and the number of candidates taking advantage of the public funding option is
growing. That is because it easier for candidates to run for office without being independently
wealthy, or having to continuously ask for money. It is easier for the public to have confidence
in candidates who are not beholden to special interests who fund them. The often hidden cost
to taxpayers of our present system is bound to be greater than the cost of a transparent
system supported by our citizens.
We do not need to reinvent the wheel to set up a good public campaign finance
system. The Voter Owned Hawaii organization has been lobbying for excellent legislation for
several years.
The Hawaii County Council passed a similar resolution in 2005 without a dissenting
vote. The Democratic Party in Hawaii is supportive of public funding of elections. The League
of Women Voters asks you to support this measure.
Susan Irvine, President
LWV of Hawaii
935 8080
Comm. No. ~ ~ • ~ 7
Ref. Toffe
'Af 'aats fed z~ 2007
2121 J2007