New York City Campaign Finance Board
Encyclopedia
The New York City Campaign Finance Board is an independent, nonpartisan agency of the City of New York. It was created in 1988 in the wake of several political corruption scandals. It gives public matching funds to qualifying candidates, who in exchange submit to strict contribution and spending limits and a full audit of their finances. Citywide candidates in the program are required to take part in debates. Corporate contributions are banned and political action committees must register with the city.
The Campaign Finance Board administers the campaign finance program, publishes a voting guide, and oversees candidate debates. The Board is nonpartisan and composed of five members, two of whom are appointed by the Mayor of New York and two of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the New York City Council
. The fifth slot, the chair, is appointed by consultation of the two politicos, and each of the politicos' appointees must come from different parties. Board members serve five-year terms, which are staggered in time. These arrangements are all designed to avoid deadlocks. The board's budget is specially guarded in the New York City Charter, also to forestall political interference.
The Campaign Finance Board public website gives access to the body's detailed database of campaign-related events, including contributions, penalties, and the like. Penalties if occurring are enacted during an election campaign, not after.
The Campaign Finance Board administers the campaign finance program, publishes a voting guide, and oversees candidate debates. The Board is nonpartisan and composed of five members, two of whom are appointed by the Mayor of New York and two of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the New York City Council
New York City Council
The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York. It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The Council serves as a check against the mayor in a "strong" mayor-council government model. The council monitors performance of city agencies and...
. The fifth slot, the chair, is appointed by consultation of the two politicos, and each of the politicos' appointees must come from different parties. Board members serve five-year terms, which are staggered in time. These arrangements are all designed to avoid deadlocks. The board's budget is specially guarded in the New York City Charter, also to forestall political interference.
The Campaign Finance Board public website gives access to the body's detailed database of campaign-related events, including contributions, penalties, and the like. Penalties if occurring are enacted during an election campaign, not after.