Supervisors amend and rework campaign finance ordinance; contested provision sent back to ethics

The Board of Supervisors debated a comprehensive campaign finance ordinance on Aug. 15 that would amend the city's campaign and candidate filing rules, contribution limits, disclaimer and training requirements and other election-related provisions.

Supervisor Chris Daly raised concerns about a provision that would prohibit candidates from opting into voluntary expenditure limits if another candidate had already "busted" the cap early in a cycle. Daly said the provision could disincentivize public financing and might encourage strategic spending to block rivals from accessing public funds. "I think Supervisor Daly is apt in his calling out this particular portion," said Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi during debate.

Wade Crowfoot from the Mayor's Office and representatives from the Ethics Commission (Director St. Croix spoke) participated in discussion. The board agreed to divide the file: everything except the disputed cap provision moved forward while the contested section was re-referred to the Ethics Commission for further review. Supervisor Daly made a motion to refer the contested portion back to committee; the motion was seconded and approved.

Later in the meeting, language proposed by the City Attorney (Chad Jacobs) was offered to clarify that "nothing in this section shall prevent a candidate from participating in the city's public financing program." That clarification was accepted and the board then approved the ordinance as amended on first reading by roll call.

Ending: The board advanced the broad campaign finance amendments while seeking Ethics Commission review of the specific provision seen as potentially chilling to public financing access; the final first-reading approval incorporated a City Attorney's clarification to preserve candidates' ability to participate in the city's public financing program.