Board debates campaign policy rules

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   HILLSBOROUGH — Concerns about allowing anonymous contributions to the campaigns of school board candidates sparked a debate about the Board of Education’s proposed political contributions policy at Monday’s board meeting.
   The board voted unanimously (with members John Donnadio and Wolfgang Schneider absent) to introduce the district’s political contributions policy, but left the door open for changes prior to the final vote scheduled for Oct. 20.
   The proposed policy concerns reportable contributions for campaigns, and reflects state law, but Communications Committee Chairwoman Judy Haas questioned the provisions on anonymous contributions. According to state law, she said, those who contribute less than $300 to a campaign may choose to remain anonymous.
   ”Our current policy reflects the law, but does not limit (reportable contributions),” she said. Ms. Haas said she would like the board to consider requiring contributors to identify themselves regardless of how much money they give, or to eliminate campaign contributions altogether.
   Board member Frank Blandino said that campaign contributions are part of the democratic process and, aside from some contributors not wanting to be identified, these monetary donations are sometimes the deciding factor for campaigning in the first place.
   ”It is part of the democratic process to have the contributions,” he said. “It may be the only way someone can have a campaign.”
   Board President Neil Hudes expressed a similar concern.
   ”We could be excluding people who cannot afford to run if we have no contributions,” he said. “The contributions afford everyone an equal playing field.”
   Policy Committee Chairman Marc Rosenberg said he believes the main issue is transparency, and whether the board should be required to submit information about all campaign contributors.
   ”The issue is whether or not the board is knowledgeable about the contributions,” he said. “The fact of the matter is, in this country we can contribute to campaigns.”
   In addition, he said that, with anonymous contributors, all donations could be under $300 and they would never be reported to the rest of the board.
   ”I can appreciate people wanting to contribute without putting their names in the public arena,” board member Steven Paget said. “I am OK with the $300 limit, though I would support transparency.”
   Much of the remaining discussion about the contributions centered on the issues of whether they would sway board members’ votes, or if contributors believe they could receive special treatment for donating funds.
   ”We are the biggest employer in Hillsborough, and we take care of the children,” said Ms. Haas, who also reiterated that she did not accept contributions in her campaign. “People could think they might get benefits for their children if they contribute to a campaign.”
   It is important, Ms. Haas said, for board members to recuse themselves from votes that could potentially benefit a person or company who contributed to their campaign.
   ”Members have to ensure they are not voting to benefit those who contributed to a campaign,” she said.
   Mr. Blandino, however, said that the board members should have the integrity to not let contributions influence voting.
   ”I think we are all smart enough to not let contributions sway our votes,” he said.
   Mr. Rosenberg said he would take comments from the board members back to the Policy Committee for further discussion, and possible changes. The introduction of the policy was approved with the proviso that it would go back to the committee before the second reading.