Annapolis, MD (Jan. 5, 2022) County Executive Steuart Pittman released the following statement regarding Resolution 1-22. The resolution, introduced by the County Executive, asks the County Council to place a charter amendment on the 2022 ballot to create a system for public financing of County elections.
“Providing a public financing system for local elections gives popular candidates without access to wealthy donors a fair shot at public service.
The system that would be created under this amendment is voluntary, and would require candidates to match public funds with small donations. Opting into the system requires candidates to forego large contributions from PACs, corporations, and individuals.
We are not alone in this effort. Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County have all approved public campaign finance systems, and Governor Hogan used Maryland’s statewide system to win office in 2014.
The public campaign finance question will be put on the 2022 ballot if five of seven County Council members approve letting the voters decide the matter. I believe that it’s a choice our voters should be allowed to make.”