'CLEAN MONEY' PLAN GAINING NEW GROUND.

Byline: Judy O'Rourke Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Supporters of a public campaign finance plan have been buoyed by the city's decision to consider the method, proposed by a group two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, after several speakers again urged the Santa Clarita City Council to explore ``clean money'' campaign financing as an option, the council agreed to discuss the matter after the April 11 election.

``I was very pleased the City Council is willing to learn more about public campaign financing and take the public's concerns to heart,'' said Carole Lutness, who heads the Santa Clarita Valley Clean Money for Better Government Committee.

The nonprofit California Clean Money Campaign proposes providing qualified candidates with money deemed adequate to run their campaigns, in return for the candidates promising to reject other contributions. Candidates would qualify for public funding by collecting a set number of $5 contributions from people in their district to prove they have support, and by promising not to accept other private funds. Additional money would be available - up to a cap - if the ``clean money'' candidates are being outspent by privately funded candidates.

Candidates choose whether to participate in the plan.

Clean-money measures are in effect in Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont and are being considered by the City of Los Angeles and in Sacramento.

Some years ago the council upped the maximum contribution for individuals and businesses alike in Santa Clarita elections to $360. The discussion on reform would include other alternatives too.

Lutness said earlier if the council is not receptive to the plan, the committee may gather signatures - 9,000 are needed, Lutness said - to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

Judy O'Rourke, [phone]

judy.orourke(at)dailynews.com