So, a million dollars was legally pumped into the race for Port of Vancouver commissioner. As part of that, the oil companies expended $370,000 to influence the race, which necessitated the opposition, through the Washington Conservation Voters, to give almost $290,000 of in-kind volunteer contributions in an attempt to even the playing field.
What will be the next hot-button issue that draws in big money special interests? Will we see a $2 million mayoral race? Or a $5 million congressional race? Isn’t it time for us all to work toward reducing the corrosive effect of big money in politics by backing the proposed American Anti-Corruption Act? It includes a provision for small credits to each registered voter to help fund campaigns, thereby amplifying the people’s voice and providing a check and balance to large special-interest donations.
You can review the act at www.anticorruptionact.org. Show your support by urging your Vancouver city councilor to pass a resolution endorsing it and by signing the petition at www.represent.us.
