Title
Amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," by adding a new Chapter entitled "Campaign Contributions and Expenditures," under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, Only 175,000 voters participated in the May 2003 Municipal Primary Election, following years of decline in voter participation; and
WHEREAS, Limits on campaign contributions and expenditures could restore public confidence in the electoral process; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate that this legislative body attempt to address the lack of voter participation through the enactment of campaign contribution and expenditure reforms; now therefore,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code relating to Officers and Employees is hereby amended to add the following new Chapter:
CHAPTER 20-800. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES.
ยง20-801. Definitions.
(1) Covered election. Every primary, general or special election for Mayor and City Council.
(2) Contribution. Money, gifts, forgiveness of debts, loans, or things having a monetary value incurred or received by a candidate or his/her agent for use in advocating or influencing the election of the candidate.
(3) Expenditure. The payment, distribution, loan or advancement of money or any valuable thing by a candidate, political committee or other person for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a covered election.
(4) Person. Any actual individual, any business partnership, sole proprietorship, or other form of business organization permitted under the laws of the Commonwealth to make political contributions.
(5) Political Committee. Any committee, club, association, political party, or other group of persons, including the campaign committee of a candidate for office in a covered election, which receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a covered election.
(6) ...
Click here for full text