2,666 / 60.6% Yes votes ...... 1,730 / 39.4% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Measure Q limits to $100 the contributions that may be made by an individual contributor or committee to a single candidate, committee, or ballotmeasure, or to a committee making independent expenditures of $100 or more in support or opposition to a candidate or ballot measure. This limitation applies to all contributions made during the "candidacy period", defined generally as the period from the day after an election until the day of the next election for the same office. The contributions limits contained in Measure Q do not apply to contributions by a candidate to that candidate's own campaign. Measure Q generally prohibits anonymous contributions of more than $10.

Measure Q defines several of the terms used in the Measure, including "contribution", "committee", and "independent expenditure". Measure Q requires committees receiving $100 or more during a calendar year to file statements of organization with the City Clerk, and specifies the organizational information that each committee is required to disclose.

Under Measure Q, candidates and committees must periodically file campaign statements disclosing contributions received and expenditures made during the period covered by the statement. Specific information must be provided for persons contributing or receiving more than $25 during the candidacy period. Measure Q requires committees making independent expenditures of $100 to notify the City Clerk and candidates running for the same seat within twenty-four hours each time the $100 expenditure threshold is crossed.

Measure Q specifies the information that must be disclosed if a candidate or committee sends amassmailing or distributes writtenmaterials, defined as 200 or more similar or substantially similar written documents within a single candidacy period.

Under Measure Q, the City Clerk is required to sponsor at least one training class for candidates and committees whenever municipal candidates or measures are on a ballot.

Knowing or willful violations of Measure Q are a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or sixmonths imprisonment, or both. Themeasure also specifies penalties that may apply if a candidate or committee fails to file, or files late, a required campaign statement.

lf adopted, the cost to the City to implement the Measure is unknown.

Campaign financing is an inflationary upward spiral. Each campaign costs more than the last. As land development becomes more extensive and profitable, non-resident, outside interests will want to influence elections and elected officials. Money distorts our great system of government and demeans Americans who have sacrificed in our history to give us a government "by the people and for the people."

Measure Q, modeled after dozens of successful, court proven ordinances, will limit contributions, mandate local reporting, require more frequent reporting in election years and give local officials the tools necessary to make meaningful enforcement possible. The cities of Davis, Dublin, Fremont, Fresno, Gilroy, Livermore, Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Tracy, Walnut Creek, and many others have already passed campaign reform ordinances to ensure that voter's interests are heard over well-financed influence peddlers.

Galt's future needs to be guided by the honest, hardworking people that characterize this community. Galt may soon face an opponent willing to spend thousands to reap corporate financial gain with no regard for the consequences on our quality of life. Ask yourself, how your neighborhood would finance a campaign to fight against a well-financed airport or solid waste company looking to locate next door? Safeguard a level playing field in Galt politics.

Please vote yes on Measure Q.

/s M.W. Yates, High School Teacher

/s Tom Heuer, Analyst, State of California

/s Emmy Andrighetto, Retiree

/s Carl Palermo, Co-Chair Galt Festival/Member, Galt Beautification Committee

/s Timothy Raboy, Vice-Mayor, City of Galt

Measure Q seeks to limit contributions to both candidates and measures! If voted into law, you could be fined and sent to jail for six months for contributing $101.00 to a friend or someone in your own family who is running for City Council. (Section
2.54.110 -- see for yourself). Ridiculous! We have the right to give our children more money than that to run for Class President at Galt High School. This new law takes away your rights. When I was sworn into office, I swore to defend the Constitution of the United States so I believe it is my duty to warn you that this measure restricts your First Amendment Free Speech rights. You'd be shocked at the other things hidden in this twelve-page initiative!

MeasureQis also very costly and creates more government bureaucracy. Without getting voter approval, certain city council members have already spent over $10,000.00 of your money on this and it would take another election and thousands of dollars more to fix the remaining mistakes in this measure.

Existing state guidelines already limit campaign donations and expenditures and require extensive reporting so you know where the money is coming from and going to -- as you should.

This isn't about campaign finance reform! If it were, I would support it. It's a hoax! Don't be fooled!

Vote No on Measure Q!

/s Darryl Clare, Council Member, City of Galt