Federation of Citizens Associations of the District of Columbia Resolution on DC Council Conduct and Campaign Finance

Whereas the Federation of Citizens Associations of DC has long had concerns about irregularities and ethical issues raised by a number of current structural DC Council and campaign finance issues not yet adequately covered by the laws of the District of Columbia, and by the negative impact the increasing costs of becoming a candidate has had on who can afford to run for office in the District: Now, be it resolved that the Federation of Citizens Associations of DC urges the DC Council immediately to: (1) Amend DC law, in order to avoid conflicts of interest, to provide that, like the Mayor and the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, all other Councilmembers shall not engage in any employment (whether as an employee or as a self-employed individual) or hold any position (other than his or her position as Councilmember) for which he or she is compensated in an amount in excess of his or her actual expenses in connection therewith; and (2) Eliminate Constituent Service Funds for Elected Officials. Further, be it resolved that the Federation of Citizens Associations of DC urges the Council to revise the campaign finance laws of the District of Columbia to: (3) Lower contribution limits for various offices so that more people can participate as candidates and small donors' contributions will have impact; (4) Prohibit corporations from contributing to candidates running for District offices; and
(5) Prohibit individuals, companies and other organizations that do business with

the District of Columbia government from contributing to District campaigns. =====

Adopted by unanimous consent of the Board on January 12, 2012