Santa Monica Seeks to Abolish Election Practices Panel
The Santa Monica City Council has ordered City Atty. Robert M. Myers to draft an ordinance abolishing the city’s Fair Election Practices Commission.
Council members said they would retain campaign finance disclosure laws and campaign contribution and spending limits, but called the commission ineffective.
The commission was created 11 years ago to investigate complaints of campaign violations. It has no independent power to prosecute, but refers matters to the county district attorney’s office.
Councilman David G. Epstein, who along with Councilman James P. Conn introduced the motion to disband the commission, called it “a watchdog that doesn’t even have dentures.†Councilman Dennis Zane was the only person to vote in favor of retaining the commission.
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