Should non-local businesses be allowed to contribute to local politicians?
In late August, the Sacramento, Calif.-based Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to overturn a 2006 Humboldt County, Calif., ordinance that prohibits out-of-county controlled companies from making contributions to county politicians.
Supporters of Humboldt County’s Protect Fair Elections and Local Democracy ordinance, otherwise known as “Measure T,” say it ensures that corporation owners act as individuals in elections and do not use their companies to gain unfair influence. The Pacific Legal Foundation claims the ordinance violates a class of employers’ First Amendment free speech rights.
Should companies that have headquarters in another jurisdiction be restricted from contributing financially to local campaigns?
Please send your responses to Ed Brock at [email protected]. Include your name, title and the organization with which you work. American City & County will print some of the responses.
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