It is the right of all citizens to donate to the candidates of their choice. Their tax dollars should not be used to support a candidate with whom they do not agree nor should their donations be given to another candidate.
I propose the following rules for raising and use of campaign funds for all levels of government:
Fundraising may not start until nine months before the contested election.
Donations may only be used for: office space, workers, advertising, get-out-the-vote activities and meeting with voters, including necessary travel.
No campaign funds may be used for the legal defense of criminal charges against a candidate or member of his or her staff or anyone connected in any way to the candidate or campaign.
Donations should be limited to $5,000 per person.
Any activities by "political action committees" must be at "arm's length" from the candidate.
All funds donated must be used for the contested election and cannot be carried over to subsequent elections or given to other candidates. Leftover funds are to be given as a tax to the general fund of the entity for which the election is being held.
These rules should provide more time for elected officials to spend time doing what they were elected for and not year-round fundraising; they also should prevent the incumbent "war chest" advantage.
Ed Fahrenkopf Sr.
Poestenkill