Multiple Winchester residents used the Oct. 14 public comment period to ask City Council to adopt a resolution urging state lawmakers to pursue campaign finance reform.

Why it matters: Speakers said Virginia’s current campaign finance environment reduces ordinary voters’ influence, and they asked Winchester to join other municipalities in formally urging state level changes. The remarks were part of a grassroots push led locally by League of Women Voters members and volunteers.

What speakers said: Terry Merrill, a League of Women Voters volunteer, asked council to “learn about, discuss and eventually vote on a resolution supporting campaign finance reform” and noted that Virginians will see large sums spent in statewide races. Diane Walker, a Ward 1 resident, said a statewide report in 1994 recommended contribution limits and urged the council to amplify local support for reform in Richmond. Laurie Jones, who said she had campaign experience, asked council to support a resolution that would promote four core reforms: contribution limits, stronger disclosure rules, better oversight and public financing options.

Public reaction in the meeting: Speakers told council they had contacted councilors individually in advance; some reported favorable responses from council members. No formal resolution was introduced at the Oct. 14 meeting; speakers asked council to convey their positions to Delegate Wiley and Senator French.

What’s next: Council did not take action on a campaign finance resolution at this meeting. The speakers asked council to consider sending a formal message to state legislators and to place a resolution on a future agenda.