The Santa Monica Transparency Group is a coalition of residents that are acting to keep city government actions open and accountable to citizens.
We believe openness and accountability are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
In looking at the campaign disclosure statements of City Council members from the 2008 and 2010 elections, we found that most City Council donations come from outside of Santa Monica.
The seven current council members show an average of 70 percent of donations from people or entities outside the city they are serving. Only one council member, Kevin McKeown, receives funds primarily from Santa Monica residents—56 percent of funds raised.
All others receive from 61-84 percent of campaign funds from business interests and individuals outside the city. Further tilting donations away from residents is the fact that outside dollars are larger, from $28-91 more on average.
