A proposed overhaul of Denver’s election laws has sparked a new concern by Colorado Common Cause, which objects to an amendment that would allow City Council members to funnel their excess campaign funds to campaigns for city and state ballot issues.
Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz’s proposal had originally sought to restrict the use of excess campaign funds to municipal elections.
But Councilwoman Carol Boigon amended the proposal in committee to allow the excess funds to be given to broader issue campaigns, such as statewide ballot issues or issue questions pushed by the Regional Transportation District.
The council granted initial approval Tuesday and will consider giving final approval Monday.
Boigon said she thinks she should have the right to represent her constituents and champion causes that they know are important to her.
“The legislation proposed will result in less transparency regarding campaign contributions and allows donors’ contributions to support candidates and issues that the donors themselves may not support,” stated an e-mail to the council from Colorado Common Cause, which advocates government accountability.
