Presenter
Presented by Mr. Hertzberg
Title
Ordinance supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title One-Administration, Article I: General Provisions by adding Chapter 109 “Campaign Financing”.
Body
WHEREAS, the integrity of the political process and the trust of the people is essential to a representative government; and
WHEREAS, the cost of running a successful political campaign has become so exorbitant as to dissuade people from running for office; and
WHEREAS, because campaign contributions have risen in recent years, public perception is that special interest groups and wealthy individuals may have unjustified influence in the political process; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government and most state and local governments have successfully enacted legislation that prevents a “pay as you play” cycle of politics; and
WHEREAS, regulating campaign contributions would promote participation and confidence in and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. Supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title One-Administration, Article I: General Provisions by adding Chapter 109 “Campaign Financing” as follows:
A. Definitions
(1) Election Cycle. A four-year period that begins on January 1st of the year following the last general election and ends on December 31st of the year of the general election for the office the candidate is seeking.
(2) Contribution. Money, gifts, forgiveness of debts, loans, or things having a monetary value incurred or received by a candidate or his/her agent for use in advocating or influencing the election of the candidate.
(3) Expenditure. The payment, distribution, loan or advancement of money or any valuable thing by a candidate, political committee or other person for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a covered election.
(4) Person. Any actual individual, any business partnership, sole proprietorship, or ot...
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