July 2013

Today I completed the State Board of Elections 5 part training module for campaign committee treasurers. I took it as the candidate so I could see what my treasurer has to do. The basic campaign contribution limit is $4000 but Chapel Hill has a special maximum of $300. Will the state legislature rules about preventing local governments from being more strict than state or federal laws cause that to be changed?  There is a long list of individuals (including immediate family) and groups whom are not limited to $4000. There are special campaign rules about media for example the size the wording of the statement that candidate committees have to place on their ads. Media includes a mass mailing of 500 or more pieces but it does not include any electronic media such as web pages or blogs. Will that change? Should it? I also took the time today to call Sen. Phil Berger (919-733-5708) and Tom Apodaca (733-5745) and complain about the proposed changes to election law: reduced time for early voting, restrictive voter ID requirement, reduced campaign disclosure requirements, new $5000 maximum donation etc. We live in interesting times.

Loren

I am actively seeking help to address this problem. As I wrote before, we are looking at the possibility a lot of newly homeless folk in Orange County. The best information I have says that the GSC decision to kick people out violates HUD, and we need to file a complaint. I don't know how to do this, but if you do, or know someone who can help, please contact me, or come to the meeting on August 2nd at the Human Rights Center in Carrboro at 4pm.