Gail Wallace, commenting on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Oakland: Once again, the League urges you to reconsider any change to the contribution limits that would take effect for our upcoming elections. We have argued against this proposal at the Public Ethics Commission and at the Rules Committee meetings. There are larger policy issues implicated here such as whether increasing limits is in line with the spirit and mandate of Measure W which adopted the Fair Elections Act for Oakland. There are also very clear factual questions that have not been answered. We have repeatedly referenced the MapLight report that established that increased limits are likely to benefit candidates who are already most connected to resourced and repeating donors. In opposition, to that evidence, we have only heard anecdotal evidence of why these now de minimis and last minute increases are needed. Most of that evidence translates into an list of what it could buy, e.g. one mailer. Public speakers who have presented themselves as candidates for office have pointed out that it is personal contact and outreach that make a difference. These speakers argued against the increase in campaign contribution limits. For these reasons and because it strains the resources of the Public Ethics Commission staff, we oppose this proposal.

Oakland voters want to limit the impact of money in our elections. That’s why 74% of us voted in 2022 to pass the Oakland Fair Elections Act, an historic victory in the effort to get big money out of local politics and the voices of the community back in.

Oakland Rising wants to acknowledge and thank Council President Bas and Councilmember Gallo for voting no on the 1st reading of this proposed amendment to the Campaign Reform Act that would increase contribution limits for this general election and future election cycles. They have made it clear that they are standing with Councilmember Carroll Fife, the League of Women Voters, Common Cause and residents who submitted public comments, opposing this step backwards in our effort to advance fair elections in Oakland. However, we need more of you on this council to stand with us and oppose this last minute contribution limit increase.

In approval of the mid-year budget adjustments, City Council cut funding for another key part of the Fair Elections Act: Democracy Dollars, which was scheduled to debut in 2026. Without adequate funding of the Public Ethics Commission (PEC), the program will not proceed on time. Now, you are about to take another action that will further strain PEC staffing. We agree with the PEC and urge council to see this move as dangerous in eroding public faith that Council will adhere to voters’ mandates. We urge you to vote NO to oppose this change in the Campaign Reform Act.