The New Haven Democracy Fund, a public campaign finance program for mayoral elections, is celebrating its 20th year of existence. The program, which is the only municipal program of its kind in Connecticut, aims to curb the influence of well-resourced campaign donors on local politicians.
How it Works
The voluntary program requires participating mayoral candidates to adhere to certain restrictions, including not accepting donations from businesses or political committees, and not accepting personal donations larger than $400 per person. In exchange, candidates who raise at least 200 donations from registered New Haven voters can qualify for public financing, receiving a base grant of $25,000 and donation-matching funds of up to $125,000.
According to current Administrator Alyson Heimer, the grants may work out in candidates’ favor. Heimer referenced an analysis of the 2019 mayoral election in which Mayor Justin Elicker, a Democracy Fund participant, beat incumbent Mayor Toni Harp, who chose not to participate. Harp would have had about $12,000 more in her coffer if she participated in the program.
Former administrator Ken Krayeske noted that candidates face a ‘paperwork penalty’ while participating in the program. ‘But to me, the way you campaign is the way you governed. And I trust a candidate more who’s willing to engage in that extra activity to tell us, ‘This is how I’m paying for it,” he said.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
