The question of campaign contributions was front and centre on Monday during Red Deer city council discussions on municipal election changes.
The provincial government is seeking input from municipalities and the general public regarding civic and school board elections.
On Monday, council unanimously endorsed administration’s recommendation to give a formal position that holding elections every four years instead of three is a good idea.
Legislative and Governance Services manager Elaine Vincent said running a civic election costs around $250,000 so having it every four years instead of three makes sense.
As part of the motion, council encourages Alberta Municipal Affairs to consult Albertans further on longer terms, beyond the online survey that’s running through the ministry’s website until July 31.
Council’s primary debate centred on campaign contribution limits.
There is a limit of $5,000 on any campaign contribution made by a person, corporation, trade union or employee organization to a candidate in any year. The province is asking Alberta municipalities whether this should be removed from the Local Authorities Election Act.
As a result, local jurisdictions would be able to set their own limits — a move supported the city’s Legislative and Governance Services department that organizes the civic election.
Coun. Dianne Wyntjes said she would rather have the city say “no” or “no opinion” to this question.
“I believe there should be consistency through the province,” she said.
“I personally like the municipal autonomy,” added Coun. Chris Stephan.
However, Stephan disagreed with a campaign contribution cap of $10,000 from candidates’ own funds. He felt it should be removed.
Legislative and Governance Services reports that maintaining a cap levels the playing field, so that not just the wealthy run for office.
The Act also prohibits specific entities and organizations from making campaign contributions to a candidate. Council agreed with staff’s recommendation that these restrictions be removed from the Act.
“Autonomy of local jurisdictions to respond to their unique environments should be encouraged,” says a staff report.
Council also agreed with Legislative and Governance Services on changing the Act so that receipts be issued for campaign contributions on amounts exceeding $100 — and not for all campaign donations as is done now.
The province is also asking if alternate voting methods such as telephone and Internet voting be allowed, provided the method ensures the security and integrity of the voting process. Council agreed with this idea as part of the overall motion that was approved.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com