Candidates must join Program to become eligible to receive public matching funds
January 12, 2009
Nineteen candidates have filed certification forms to join New York City’s voluntary Campaign Finance Program for special elections in Council districts 21, 32, and 49, the Campaign Finance Board announced today. In order to be eligible to receive public matching funds for the February 24 elections, candidates were required to file their forms by the January 12, 2009 certification deadline.
Certifications postmarked by the January 12 deadline may still be received by mail and will be accepted. The first campaign finance disclosure filings for all candidates in the special elections are due January 15, 2009.
The following candidates have submitted certification forms as of today:
District #21
Angel Del Villar
George R. Dixon
Julissa Ferreras
Jose Eduardo Giraldo
Francisco P. Moya
Carlos M. Pena
Geraldine M. Chapey
George R. Dixon
Julissa Ferreras
Jose Eduardo Giraldo
Francisco P. Moya
Carlos M. Pena
Geraldine M. Chapey
District #32
Glenn J. DiResto
Frank P. Gulluscio
Mike Ricatto
Lew M. Simon
Eric A. Ulrich
Tony Baker
Glenn J. DiResto
Frank P. Gulluscio
Mike Ricatto
Lew M. Simon
Eric A. Ulrich
Tony Baker
District #49
Thomas Curitore
Rajiv S. Gowda
Kenneth C. Mitchell
Donald R. Pagano
Deborah Rose
Paul D. Saryian
Thomas Curitore
Rajiv S. Gowda
Kenneth C. Mitchell
Donald R. Pagano
Deborah Rose
Paul D. Saryian
Candidates who certify as participants in the city’s voluntary Campaign Finance Program must appear on the ballot, have an opponent on the ballot, and meet a two-part threshold before becoming eligible for public matching funds.
For a special election, to become eligible for public funds, first, a candidate must raise $5,000 from New York City residents, with only the first $87 of a contribution counting towards the total. Second, a candidate must collect 75 matchable contributions of $10 or more from residents within the Council district.
Once the campaign has met the threshold, and is in compliance with the rules of the Program, the first $87 of a contribution received from an individual New York City resident will be matched at a rate of $6-to-$1, for a maximum of $522 per contributor.
Candidates who participate in the Program are also subject to spending limits. The spending limit for the special elections is $161,000. All candidates, whether they join the Program or run as a non-participant, must comply with contribution limits and disclosure requirements.
Public matching funds provided through the Campaign Finance Program amplify the impact of small contributions, while reducing the possibility and perception of corruption associated with large contributions and unlimited campaign spending.