A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to enable the Metropolitan Council to develop and implement a public campaign financing plan.

WHEREAS, fundraising is often a substantial barrier to qualified candidates seeking public office, whether it be at the federal, state or local level; and

WHEREAS, during campaigns, candidates spend more time trying to raise funds than they do discussing the issues impacting the voters; and

WHEREAS, allowing substantial private contributions to campaigns allows special interest groups to dominate the electoral process, and causes the public to distrust the political system; and

WHEREAS, the states of Arizona and Maine have adopted a public campaign finance option whereby candidates agree to spend no more than a prescribed amount on their campaign and in exchange receives the majority of the money for the campaign from the government; and

WHEREAS, the Los Angeles, California Ethics Commission recently recommended to the City Council a proposal to limit the influence of special interest groups on municipal elections by providing $11.6 million per year in local government funds to pay for the campaigns for local elected officials; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly enable local governments to develop and adopt a public campaign financing mechanism for local elected offices.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to enable the Metropolitan Council to develop and implement a public campaign financing plan.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: John Summers