HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0248.018 2008-2010
Murashige, Laura
From: school@bagginsend.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:40 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Leave alone the Haw Election Campaign Fund! PM 10 3
Council Members
Aloha Council Members,
At a time in Hawaii when people are more aware than ever about special interest money and
politics, we are counting on you to leave alone the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund and
protect Act 244.
The people have spoken, and there is overwhelming support for this law. Mainland money is
having negative effects on Hawaii's elections and economy, and the Fair Elections Act
would empower small businesses and communities because more people will be more engaged in
the political process.
The people have spoken on this bill. For ten years, tens of thousands of citizens have
weighed in on this law. A 2005 AARP survey also concluded that 86% of Hawaii's residents
believe there should be changes in the way we finance our campaigns.
Furthermore, we know that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied an appeal to hear a case on
the "constitutionality of equalizing funds". This is a clear signal that they don't
believe there is a case. To try and get rid of Fair Elections based on this false pretense
is disingenuous.
People understand the corrosive impacts of money on the lawmaking process: excessive
health care costs are forcing small businesses to close; our entire energy infrastructure
is based on technology that has been outdated for 60 years; short term profits are
trumping long term sustainable solutions to our biggest problems.
I'm counting on you to listen to the people and do what is right by protecting the Fair
Elections Act -
Sincerely,
Jesse Law
HI 96720
Comm two. ~T 8 .
Ref. To,
1 Ref. Date MAY 18 2009
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