The New York City Campaign Finance Board voted today to approve a public funds payment of $57,217 to one candidate in the 2013 general elections. So far, the Board has authorized payments totaling $2,746,948 to 53 candidates in the general election.
New York City's matching funds program provides public funds at a rate of $6-to-$1 for the first $175 contributed by City residents, for a maximum of $1,050 in public funds per contributor. The low-dollar match encourages candidates to raise small contributions from New Yorkers living in the neighborhoods they hope to represent, instead of relying on large contributions from special interests. To date, the Board has authorized payments totaling $34,947,402 to 142 eligible candidates in the 2013 elections.
Separately, the Board determined that an independent spender from the 2013 elections committed a violation (details available below). Prior to the vote, Board member Richard Davis stated on behalf of the Board, "We are voting on a specific penalty, and the Board and the staff are continuing to review additional issues relating to NYCLASS independent expenditures. Those other issues are not before the Board today."
In addition, the Board voted to deny a 5-02(a) petition from the 2013 campaign of Jumaane Williams in Council District #45.
The Board also voted to dismiss a complaint against the 2013 campaign of Micah Kellner.
| City Council | |
| Cornegy, Jr., Robert E (36) | $57,217 |
| Independent Spender | Violation | Penalty |
| NYCLASS | Failure to use a "paid for by" notice for a phonebank | $1,560 |
Archived video of today's meeting will be available at www.nyccfb.info/live.