Abu-Taleb: Public financing of campaigns gives more choice
From Oakpark.com
Staff Reporter
Oak Park does not suffer from political corruption or special interests controlling campaigns, but it does have a problem with holding competitive elections, according to David Melton, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
Establishing a small donor matching system for local elections would give more residents an opportunity to run for office, Melton told a group of about 30 residents on Wednesday night at a public forum held by Anan Abu-Taleb, Oak Park’s village president.
Melton said his non-profit group is targeting Oak Park and Evanston as potential communities to adopt the program, which would match candidates on campaign contributions up to a certain level in an effort to give them a competitive advantage against more well-funded candidates.
Candidates would not be required to participate in the program and could take money from special interests and outside donors, Melton said.
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