A Los Angeles lawmaker called Monday for the city to move to a public financing system for local elections, saying it would help address fears that wealthy donors buy influence at City Hall. The city already has a public matching funds system that allows candidates to tap a limited amount of taxpayer money. Once a candidate begins to receive public funds, he or she can no longer receive private contributions. Public financing is “the absolute right direction for Los Angeles to be moving,” said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause, an open government group. Bonin said this time around, the city should consider seeking development fees or taxes on oil and gas production to pay for the public financing system.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 17, 2017 03:32 UTC