Chapter 1.99
LIMITS ON CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Sections:

1.99.010    Intent.

1.99.020    Definitions.

1.99.030    Application.

1.99.040    Contribution limits.

1.99.050    Civil violation.

1.99.010 Intent.

It is the public policy of the city that the people shall be assured that the private financial dealings of their public officials and of candidates for those offices present no conflict of interest between the public trust and private interest. [Ord. 3785 § 1, 2010].

1.99.020 Definitions.

The terms used in this chapter shall be afforded definitions found in RCW 42.17.020 or Chapter 390-05 WAC, as the same exists or is hereafter amended, and are hereby adopted by reference, except that the following terms shall be given the meaning set forth below:

A. “Election cycle” means the combination of the general or special election and the primary election to the office in question and begins on the date an individual becomes a candidate for such office as the term “candidate” is defined by RCW 42.17.020 and ends on the date that the candidate files his or her final report pursuant to RCW 42.17.180(2).

B. To “accept” or “receive” a contribution means the receipt of a contribution, deposit of funds with other campaign funds, and report of the contribution to the public disclosure commission, except when a candidate returns the contribution to the contributor within five business days of the date on which it is received by the candidate or political committee acting on behalf of that candidate.

C. “Person” includes an individual, partnership, joint venture, public or private corporation, association, federal, state, or local governmental entity or agency, however constituted, candidate, committee, political committee, political party, executive committee thereof or any other organization or group of persons, however organized.

D. “Public Disclosure Commission” means the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission as established under RCW 42.17.350 as the same exists or is hereafter amended. [Ord. 3785 § 1, 2010].

1.99.030 Application.

These limits shall apply to candidates in any election for the Edmonds city council or for mayor of the city of Edmonds. [Ord. 3785 § 1, 2010].

1.99.040 Contribution limits.

A. No candidate shall accept or receive during the election cycle campaign contributions totaling more than $500.00 from any one person.

B. The limitations in this section shall apply to all contributions except:

1. A campaign contribution of his/her own resources to his/her own campaign;

2. The value of volunteer services; or

3. Publicly donated funds under provisions authorizing public funding of local campaigns. [Ord. 3785 § 1, 2010].

1.99.050 Civil violation.

Any person who shall commit any violation of the provisions as set forth in this chapter shall have committed a civil violation and upon finding by the Edmonds municipal court that such violation has been committed, shall pay a monetary penalty to the city of Edmonds equivalent to the monetary amount of contributions above $500.00 received by the candidate, in the aggregate, from the source giving rise to a violation during the election cycle. [Ord. 3785 § 1, 2010].