A: Individuals may not contribute more than $2,500 per year to a candidate for any of the elected offices of the City government.

Special exception: As of December 16, 2006, the individual contribution limit for contributions to candidates for Mayor only is doubled from $2,500 to $5,000 per year. To learn more, please read Advisory Opinion 2006-001.

A: Yes.

A: Political committees and businesses may not contribute more than $10,000 per year to a candidate for any of the elected offices of the City government.

Special exception: As of December 16, 2006, the contribution limit for contributions to candidates for Mayor from political committees and businesses is doubled from $10,00 to $20,000 per year. To learn more, please read Advisory Opinion 2006-001.

A: The contribution limits apply to contributions made to candidates for primary, general, and special elections for all elected offices of the City government, including: Mayor; Members of City Council; District Attorney; City Controller; Sheriff; Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions; and Register of Wills.

A: "Contribution" is defined in the law as "Money, gifts, forgiveness of debts, loans, or things of monetary value incurred or received by a candidate or his/her agent for use in advocating or influencing the election of the candidate."

A: "Candidate" is defined as someone who has publicly declared candidacy or filed nomination papers to run for one of the City elective offices.

A: Candidates are prohibited from spending "pre-candidacy" contributions that are in excess of the contribution limits that apply to candidates "for the purpose of influencing the outcome" of their election, or from using it to pay for campaign expenses.

A: Candidates with "excess pre-candidacy contributions should segregate the amount in excess of the limits from their single political committee account. The Ethics Board may approve regulations in the future that will regulate excess pre-candidacy contributions, but until it does so, the Board recommends that candidates place excess pre-candidacy contributions into a segregated pre-candidacy excess contribution account ("SPEC Account"). To learn more about the Board’s recommendation, please read Advisory Opinion 2006-003.

A: No.

A: Yes. Beginning in 2008, and every four years thereafter, these limits will be adjusted by application of a consumer price index multiplier.

A: Yes.

A: The limits vary, depending on the office:
• Mayoral candidates may receive $250,000 in total contributions from
political committees in each non-election year.
• Candidates for District Attorney and City Controller may receive $100,000 in total contributions from political committees in each non-election year.
• Candidates for the other City offices covered by the law (City Council, Register of Wills, Sheriff, Clerk of Quarter Sessions and City Commissioners), may receive $75,000 in total contributions from political committees in each non-election year.

A: Yes. Candidates are limited to one campaign committee and one checking account for the City office sought. All contributions and expenditures for such office must be made from this account. Funds collected in other political or non-political accounts may not be used for any campaign for municipal office.

A: The Ethics Board has the authority to enforce the contribution limits. In addition, any resident of the City may bring an action for injunctive relief to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of Chapter 20-1000.