Editorial: Reform idea has problems

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004 | 9:20 a.m.

Tom Collins is attaching his name to a worthy issue as he begins preparing for his first term on the Clark County Commission. The former five-term Democratic Nevada assemblyman, after waging an aggressive race, comfortably defeated North Las Vegas Republican Councilwoman Shari Buck on Nov. 2 to win his commission seat. During his campaign he criticized the way County Commission candidates raise money to finance their campaigns and he vowed to be a strong voice for reform.

Collins is right in pointing out the "perception" of influence buying that overcomes voters when commissioners accept large donations from the very businesses they regulate. But we have reservations about his initial recommendation. He is proposing that the County Commission prohibit candidates from accepting campaign donations in any year except the calendar year in which they are running. First, this would have to become part of state election law, otherwise it wouldn't affect candidates who are not incumbents, giving them an advantage. But as state law, it would not be fair to challengers, as they generally lack name recognition and need more time to become known and raise money.

Additionally, even as Collins himself acknowledges, the main benefit would be to erase the "perception" of influence buying for three out of the four years of a commissioner's term. And when monied interests load up the commissioner with a million-plus dollars in his election year? What happens to that perception then? It may have been delayed, but it will still be there.

Campaign finance reform is important, and we're glad to see Collins put this issue at the forefront. But in our view, we see campaign finance disclosure forms that are clearer and more closely monitored and enforced as a better path toward reform.