Chico City Council axes campaign ceiling

There wasn’t much discussion of an item passed unanimously at the Chico City Council meeting Tuesday (April 19), even though it could have a big impact on local elections.

Because of a federal court decision rendering it illegal, the council was forced to axe a $500 limit on campaign contributions made to independent committees involved in local political campaigns. A similar limit on contributions made directly to candidates’ campaigns remains in place. The vote was unanimous.

In a later interview, Councilman Andy Holcombe (pictured) said the change could lead to “skewing of the system by excessive donations.” He cited Chico businessman Tom Dauterman’s $31,500 contribution to the Measure A campaign as an example. “It doesn’t seem to be in keeping with Chico’s values, but we have to live with it.”