Letters: Alameda County wants to put more money into politics

"The Alameda County Board of Supervisors is considering doubling the amount of money they can accept for their own reelection campaigns. The current limit is $20,000 per election, with primary and run-off races considered separate elections. This is more than three times the highest of the five immediate Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara, that range from $500 to the state limit of $5,900 (for counties without their own ordinance before the state limit was enacted)."

"Supervisor David Haubert claims that the $20,000 per election cycle was set to level the playing field, but if their proposal is enacted, the contribution limit will be more than eight times the current state limit and neighboring counties'. We need to get big money out of politics. Big money primarily benefits incumbents who, without term limits, as in Alameda County, have a huge advantage over challengers."

"Nice try, Mr. Waranoff, but the problem with your minority comparison isn't apples and oranges, it's more like apples and religion. Neither apples (nor oranges) can choose what they are: They are a product of their seed, their sun and their photosynthesis, just like people can't choose their race, their birthplace or sexual orientation. We can, however, choose our religion (or not choose a religion), just like we can choose our politics."

Alameda County supervisors are proposing to double the current $20,000 per-election contribution limit for their reelection campaigns, with primary and run-off races treated as separate elections. Neighboring Bay Area counties set limits that range from $500 to the state limit of $5,900, creating a substantial gap if Alameda raises its cap. Supporters claim the higher limit once leveled the playing field; critics warn that larger contributions further empower incumbents who lack term limits. A separate opinion contrasts immutable characteristics with chosen identities, arguing political affiliation is a choice. Conservatorships are described as appalling yet legal under California law.

Read at The Mercury News