I hope you can join in an urgently needed conversation about the scourge of big money in the Aurora municipal elections just over three weeks away -- and the launch of a new effort to restore power to the people in local elections.
After historic reforms in the area of campaign finance in both Denver and Lakewood-- two of Colorado's five biggest cities by population, CleanSlateNow Action is partnering with PDA Colorado to continue the conversation in Aurora, to explore potential reforms for Colorado's third biggest city, and to hear from local elected officials and candidates on the November ballot about their perspectives and plans on campaign finance reform in Aurora.
Hopefully you've heard about the changes Denver and Lakewood made over the past year, including bans on corporate contributions, lowing of contribution limits, establishing public financing of campaigns, disclosure of dark money, and much more.
As you may know, Aurora currently has no limits on the size of contributions, allows contributions from corporations, and the city's only prohibition on contributions is to exclude contributions from other candidates and from foreign individuals, foreign governments, and some foreign corporations.
As a result of these wide-open policies, Aurora is seeing record-breaking campaign contributions and expenditures in the 2019 municipal elections, with unprecedented spending by big money and special interest groups. We're committed to moving the conversation forward in Aurora, empowering small dollar donors, taking wealth and access to wealth out of the equation of running for office, and ensuring that elected officials represent the public interest, not the special interests.
Please join us on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. at The Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda, upstairs in the City Cafe. We'll hear from Aurora Council Member Nicole Johnston, a representative from Congressman Jason Crow's office, and other special guests -- we've invited all Aurora municipal candidates and elected offices -- with plenty of time to include your comments and questions to help you make an informed decision as you fill our your ballots. The non-partisan event is free and open to the public. If you think you can make it, please click here to RSVP and help us plan for the number of participants.
Thanks, and I hope to see you on the 17th!
