Columbus Campaign Finance Measure Closer To Reaching Ballot

Local elections officials says the group seeking to reduce spending in Columbus mayoral and city council races appears to have collected enough valid petition signatures to get a reform measure on the ballot next year. The municipal charter-change proposed by the Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government would give candidates access to casino tax revenue to spend on their campaigns. Council candidates must first agree to spend no more than 85 thousand dollars and mayoral candidates must first agree to spend no more than 350 thousand. The group's plan is designed to limit the electoral power of  the city's elected officials, all of whom currently are Democrats. Council must approve the date the plan would go before voters. Most council members are against the plan.