`CLEAN MONEY' BILL LEFT TO STATE COUNCIL REVIEWS ISSUE BUT TAKES NO ACTION.

Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA -- The Santa Clarita City Council followed its promise to consider public campaign financing -- made before the April election, when three incumbents were re-elected -- by reviewing the status quo and comparisons with other cities and districts, listening to advocates and taking no action.

``We filed it away because our attorney advised us that by law we cannot change the campaign finance laws as they presently exist in the state of California,'' said Councilman Bob Kellar. ``We very appropriately listened to the citizens that came forward and voiced their concerns relative to the existing campaign laws and ultimately encouraged them to take the concerns to the state, who has the authority to make decisions.''

Some years ago, the council upped the maximum contribution for individuals and businesses alike in Santa Clarita elections to $360, and names of contributors over $100 -- and their employers -- must be provided.

Eleven speakers addressed the council at its meeting this week, noting the measure would level the field for candidates who have fresh voices but small war chests.

Bruce McFarland, president of the Santa Clarita Democratic Alliance for Action, urged the council to schedule a study session on the matter.

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 ``clean money'' candidates are being outspent by privately funded candidates.

A ``clean money'' bill, AB 583, set for a vote in the Senate Elections Committee has been postponed. If it is approved by the Legislature and drafted as law by the governor, voters would have a say in the June 2008 statewide election.

In February, a local group suggested a clean money measure should be adopted in Santa Clarita.

After Tuesday's meeting, Carole Lutness, who heads the Santa Clarita Valley Clean Money for Better Government Committee, vowed to power on.

``We're going to proceed with the plan and gather the 9,000 signatures to put it on the local ballot in 2007,'' she said. The group will set up a booth at the city's Fourth of July festivities.

judy.orourke(at)dailynews.com

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