2018.04.10 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 10, 20 and noted taxpayer dollars would be saved as well. She explained ifthis Senate File were to pass, the City would have to hold three more odd year elections prior to being able to make a change. She stated she was proud to be serving the City ofNew Brighton and believed the proposed Senate File was an unnecessary obstacle for City government. She noted Councilmember Burg and herselftestified at the State legislature. Councilmember Burg noted the proposed Senate File was passed by one vote. She expressed frustration with the false statements that have been made regarding the New Brighton City Council's intentions for changing from odd to even year elections. She explained this was an important issue that would save taxpayer dollars while also engaging more ofthe public. She encouraged residents to talk with their neighbors and offer their support for this matter. Mayor Johnson suggested residents also send a letter to local legislatures and the governor regarding Senate File 3021. She read the Resolution asking the legislature to vote against Amendment A8 for Senate File 3021 in full for the record. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried Councilmember Jacobsen excused himself from the City Council meeting at 7:35 p.m. 2. Adopt a Resolution that Supports a Constitutional Amendment to Regulate Corporate Political Spending and Campaign Finance. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Burg to Adopt a Resolution Supporting a Constitutional Amendment to Regulate Corporate Political Spending and Campaign Financing. City Manager Lotter indicated at a recent Council meeting, New Brighton resident Ron Bardal approached the New Brighton City Council under "Public Comment" portion of the agenda. Mr. Bardal expressed concern regarding the amount of corporate spending in U.S. elections and campaigns. Mr. Bardal asked that for a meeting with Mayor Johnson and City Manager Lotter to discuss his concerns in more detail. On April 29, 2018 Mayor Johnson and City Manager Lotter meet with Mr. Bardal and two of his associates. After a short discussion, the Mayor agreed to bring a resolution of support for a 28th amendment to the Constitution for the Council's consideration. He commented on a meeting he had with individuals from Minnesota for Clean Elections. Ron Bardal, 1783 19th Terrace, provided the Council with a presentation on the proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution. He explained too much money was being spent in politics. He discussed how campaign finances have changed over the past 40 years. He was of the opinion that money offered organizations free speech and noted election spending has grown almost 10 -fold since 1976. He commented on how Supreme Court decisions were eroding the reforms that were put in place in 1976. He discussed how outside funding was being used in local elections and how billionaire donors were using their money to reward and to threaten. He questioned why 60% of our Senators time was being spent fundraising when it should be spent on representing the people. He commented at this time there was unequal representation between large and small donors. He expressed concern with the fact that big money and dark money was clouding elections. He discussed how the trust in government was lacking. He described how the City could win the 28th Amendment by working together, committing to action, by making this a campaign issue, by election candidates who support the 28th Amendment and by calling State and Federal legislators to help. He anticipated it would take 10 to 20 years to pass the 28th Amendment. He reviewed a map noting the cities and counties that were already pursuing change. He requested the City Council offer their support to his Constitutional Amendment that would regulate corporate political spending and campaign finances in order to assist the United States in pursuing a citizen's democracy. Councilmember Allen questioned what the Council was being asked to sign on to. Jim Page 4 of 7 2. Adopt a Resolution drat Supporls aConslitulkxtal Amendment to Regulate Corporate Poitiad Spending and Campaign Finance.