LETTERS (11/23/06)

Full disclosure of moneys

better than taxpayer funding
To the editor:
   
Councilman Greg Puliti’s proposal to use property tax revenues to pay for Township Council campaigns is a bad idea for a number of good reasons.
   First, when Lawrence voters are already laboring under a heavy property tax burden, how can any public official think that taxpayers should now also start paying for the campaigns of local politicians? Second, unlike the public financing of presidential and New Jersey gubernatorial campaigns, which allow taxpayers to decline to contribute to public financing, all taxpayers would find part of their property taxes used to fund politicians’ campaigns. Third, because campaign spending would be capped for all candidates at the same level, this proposal would make it harder for challengers to mount successful campaigns against incumbents, who have higher name recognition and can use their office to garner free media.
   Fourth, giving the control of such funds to a committee appointed by the council is an invitation for all sorts of political hanky-panky. There would be no guarantee the committee would act fairly and impartially to all candidates. Fifth, the proposal gives disproportionate representation to the Green and Libertarian parties, neither of which have, in my memory, fielded a viable candidate for local office in Lawrence. Sixth, by making such funding available to every candidate, taxpayers could end up funding the campaigns of all manner of fringe candidates, even those with virtually no political support.
   Just because Mr. Puliti’s idea is fatally flawed doesn’t mean, however, there isn’t a better and easier way to achieve the goal of reducing the influence of money in local political campaigns. Under the concept that "sunshine is the best disinfectant," I believe the council should explore enacting an ordinance to require the immediate and full disclosure of every campaign contribution received by a candidate, no matter the amount. Current law only requires such reporting for amounts of $300 or more, with some of the reporting done after the election is over — and numerous strategies are used to evade that requirement.
   For example, a couple with a family-run local business that wants to attempt to gain influence through campaign donations could each give a donation just under the $300 threshold, and no one would ever know. By requiring candidates to post on a publicly accessible Web site — within 24 hours — the name and address of every campaign contributor, the public could see exactly who was supporting a particular candidate and draw its own conclusions. Given the ease with which information can be posted on the Internet, this would hardly impose a burden on any campaign.
   So, instead of using property taxes to fund political campaigns, I would urge the council to explore requiring the full and immediate disclosure of all campaign contributions by all local candidates. In this way, voters will be better able to hold candidates responsible for how they fund their campaigns, and that should help reduce the undue influence of money in local political campaigns.
Bob Bostock
Springwood Drive
Resident, mother praises

March of Dimes
To the editor:
   
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Six months ago I never would have paid much attention to it. That was before our twins were born nearly three months premature. Now I know that more than half a million babies are born prematurely every year and the number is rising. Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns, and babies who survive could be disabled for life. Now I also know the importance of the March of Dimes.
   I never fully understood or appreciated all the March of Dimes does for premature babies. Through its NICU Family Support Program, the March of Dimes efforts extended beyond our twins and focused on making sure that our whole family was getting the support we needed. We are especially thankful for their sensitivity in regard to siblings. Our three-and-a-half-year-old daughter was confused and disappointed when "her" babies didn’t come home. The big sister kit and sibling program that Lexi and Christie, the on-site March of Dimes representatives, provided made our daughter feel special and gave her a role during this confusing time. This was so important to my husband and me as parents who were trying to cope with our premature twins and nurture our older daughter at the same time. We can’t thank the March of Dimes enough for helping us through this difficult time.
   The March of Dimes is leading a comprehensive effort to save babies from premature birth in intensive care. No pregnant woman ever plans on having a premature baby — I certainly didn’t. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman and maybe someone you know. I urge everyone to learn about premature birth by visiting the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, then share your knowledge with others. You can also help by making a donation or attending a local March of Dimes event.
   By the way, our now five-month-old twins are thriving and have been unbelievably healthy!
Tracy Lutolf
Laurel Wood Drive
Family thanks hospice group

for care and kindness
To the editor:
   
The family of Lucille Lizotte would like to thank the members of the Care Alternative Hospice Organization for all they did in comforting her and helping her find peace during her final days. Lucille developed a special bond with one member, Sarah Naeyima, to whom we will be eternally grateful for the wonderful kindness and support given to her, enabling her to pass with dignity.
Janet and Ray Lachapelle
Schindler Court