Campaign Reform Shelved in Pasadena

There will be no campaign reform measure on the March ballot in Pasadena.

Because two members were absent Tuesday, the City Council decided not to take action on a proposal by Councilman William Paparian offering city candidates incentives to agree to campaign spending limits.

In order to have the measure on the March 6 ballot, in which three council seats will be up for grabs, the council needed to take action this week.

Councilwoman Kathryn Nack, recovering from injuries sustained in an accident last month, left the meeting before the measure was considered. Councilman Chris Holden was absent due to the birth of his son.

Paparian, who contends that high-priced campaigns are undermining the electoral process, had proposed that the campaign reform measure be placed on the ballot as either an initiative ordinance or a charter amendment. But he also insisted on having input from all seven council members. The measure may be reconsidered next year.