City Council Meets Tonight, Will Vote on Campaign Finance Measure

The West Hollywood City Council will tonight vote on a measure that , if passed, would allow elected officials raise funds year-round to pay back campaign debts.

The council's agenda calls for the board to waive a second reading of ordinance 13-907, which would "[amend] the City's Municipal Code to remove the six-month deadline for campaign committees to raise funds following an election in order to pay outstanding debts."

The city attorney's office drafted the ordinance following a city council directive passed down in December.

Last month, a vote on the item was delayed due to concerns by board members that the ordinance did not clearly specify how funds raised following the election could be spent.

In response, the city attorney submitted a report outlining language in the current municipal code clearly stating that funds raised for a particular election cycle can only be expended for costs associated with that cycle, and that excess funds up to $10,000 must be placed into a highly regulated office holder account. All funds in excess of $10,000 must be given back to the city or to charity.

Just how much debt did Mayor Jeffrey Prang and Councilman John Duran accrue during their reelection bids?

According campaign finance reports submitted to the city, Prang was in the hole for $11,408 and Duran for $18,844 as of February 16. 

The West Hollywood City Council will meet tonight (Monday, April 1) at 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.