So long to corporate donations
City council’s decision to ban corporate and union donations in municipal elections is either a large democratic step forward or a huge setback that will make it less apparent who’s funding the campaigns.
It all depends on who you ask.
“I know there are different views in respect to corporate and union donations,” said Mayor David Miller, who raised over $1 million exclusively from individuals during the 2006 election. “With respect to those who think we should maintain that practice, I say it’s out of date.”
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone supported the ban because of the idea that union and corporate donations could have an influence on how politicians vote.
“There is a perception out there, whether we like it or not, that unions and corporations are running the world and running this city,” Pantalone said. “That perception doesn’t help residents or individuals in this city to feel that they have a voice and therefore alienates them from participating in the democratic process by contributing (funds), canvassing or even by voting.”
Some councillors argued it will be harder to run for public office without access to funds from businesses and unions. But that is a small price to pay, Pantalone argued.
“Democracy is much more important than the ease of collecting funds from corporations and unions,” he said.
But some councillors argued the new rules will make things less, not more democratic.
Veteran politician Howard Moscoe argued banning these donations won’t stop a CEO from donating in his own name, only now the connection to the company will be less apparent.
“If you accept that corporate contributions buy influence then this policy will mean the money is still there,” said Moscoe. “The interest is still there but it will be less transparent.”
He produced a 2006 election list of some of Miller’s individual contributors, who head up influential companies. But unless you do the research you would not know they run a business, Moscoe said.
With the ban some are predicting that council itself will change in 2010.
“I think we will have a whole new group of candidates that will put themselves forth to run and we will look at a much more citizen orientated council in the next term than we have right now,” said Councillor Michael Walker, who along Cliff Jenkins was a major force behind the change.
York University political professor Robert MacDermid, who has also been advocating for these policy reforms for many years, was elated the reforms passed after nearly a decade of debate.
“It’s been a long battle and we are all thankful it has ended in this way,” said MacDermid. “It’s the first step to get rid of this kind of influence.
