Stricter campaign finance laws were passed by the Charles County Board of Commissioners on a 4-1 vote on Tuesday after Commissioner Bobby Rucci (D: 4th) wanted it reconsidered. Rucci had been the deciding vote earlier this year when the resolution was not passed.
Commissioner Vice President Reuben Collins (D) had his reservations about the bill, but he voted with Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly (D) and Commissioners Ken Robinson (D: 1st) and Rucci to pass the bill. Commissioner Debra Davis (D: 2nd) voted against the new laws.
“I’ve made my position very clear but I recognize the majority of the board sees this as something that could be useful for our citizens,” Collins said. “I would like some clarity on implementation. I would be the only commissioner who would have to file an additional filing.”
The law would require the sitting board to disclose all their campaign donations dating back to October 30, 2010. Those must be disclosed by October 30, 2012. Then, the commissioners and all local candidates would have to disclose their donations every six months. Upon leaving office, they must also report on contributions made since their last disclosure within 90 days of leaving office.
The issue was shot down on February 7th on a 3-2 vote where Kelly and Robinson were the only ones to vote for it. Rucci had the issue reconsidered on February 28th, where it was sent to a public hearing, where there was little interest.
