Should Tacoma City Council Take a Stand on Citizens United?
Last week the Tacoma Weekly published an editorial arguing that the City Council should refrain from taking a position on Citizens United.
The issue came up at this month’s Citizens’ Forum, where several speakers came forward to request that the Council take a stand in favor of the repeal of the contentious federal Supreme Court decision giving corporations and other entities the same rights as citizens, at least when it comes to funding campaigns. The speakers asked that Tacoma’s Council issue a resolution calling for congress to take actions to counteract that decision.
The Weekly is of the opinion that the Council should leave the topic alone, as it is outside Council jurisdiction to amend the Constitution, and Tacoma has its own share of local problems to deal with. Speakers at the recent Citizens’ Forum argued that the issue is appropriate for Council comment because the impacts of the decision at the federal level have been felt locally.
So, should the Council take a stand on this issue?
Filed under: City Council, Legislation, City Government
7 comments
K Ken November 30, 2012
While I haven’t read the Weekly article, this appears to be a good example of when a city council should concentrate on topics that are rightfully within the scope of local government. All the rest just robs valuable energy, time and money from city staff, city council and taxpayers.
C Chris November 30, 2012
There’s always the task force method of examining the issue. There is something that could be done at the local level – but it might be a hard sell at this point in time. Public campaign financing really stems the impact of corporate money. I’m not sure if it’s allowed by state law anymore. I recall that it was for a time, but it was just around when the recession hit, so local jurisdictions weren’t likely to implement it.
B Bob December 2, 2012
The city council taking a position would be pointless grandstanding. They should focus on doing their job and serving Tacoma.
F fred davie December 3, 2012
How do you repeal a “Supreme Court Decision?”
F fred davie December 4, 2012
If the council spends ANY time advocating for this policy then they will need to allow EQUAL time for opposing viewpoints. If the council just advocates for the policy they will be violating Public Disclosure laws. It’s in the RCW.
C Chalky White December 4, 2012
There is this invention called public comment Fredo. I believe it is part of the weekly meetings if I’m not mistaken.
F fred davie December 5, 2012
I don’t think there is a weekly comment period, Chalky. I think that’s just once per month and then for only 3 minutes.
If council members are campaigning at a public meeting then the opposing point of view is supposed to get the SAME amount of time, not limited to three minutes.
I don’t think the council is aware of public disclosure commission guidelines on campaigning.