By allowing union and corporate donations to municipal candidates, Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen said people who control those organizations can essentially contribute twice to a campaign, which unbalances elections in the city.
“The bulk of contributions go to incumbents. The bulk of contributions come from people who regularly do business with the city,” said Cullen. “That influence is unhealthy for democracy.”
Cullen has a motion coming to the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee today that would prohibit union and corporate donations. However, Perry Marleau, who ran in Alta Vista Ward in 2006, has asked councillors to reject the motion because he says it would favour wealthy candidates.
