5 to 3 Vote Approves Changes to Elected Official’s Office Holder Accounts

Long Beach, CA

Tonight, in a vote of 5 to 3, new rules were approved which changes the way office holder funds can now be utilized in Long Beach.

Each elected official in Long Beach has an office holder account and is able to collect donations from individuals, businesses, labor unions, and other political action committees. These funds are typically utilized to help pay for expenses of holding an elected office such as travel, attending meetings, and community events. In many cases, funds are also used by the elected official to support district wide programs, events, and community enhancements.

With the new rules approved, funds can now also be transferred to support other political candidates of the elected official’s choosing which drew ire from many in the community.

Leading up the vote, people voiced their concerns around ethics, and some even proclaimed they will no longer be donating their dollars to any elected officials for fear their money will not be put to good use in Long Beach, but to politicians outside of the city.  Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce, who brought this item forward through the Election Oversight Committee reiterated her position that this new rule aligns with the State but Councilman Daryl Supernaw and several speakers who opposed this agenda item wanted to see more discussion on the matter.

When it came around to voting time, Council passed this agenda item 5-3. Councilmembers who voted in favor of this change were Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce (District 2) who brought this item forward, Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez (District 1), Councilman Dee Andrews (District 6), and Councilman Roberto Uranga (District 7).

The Three Council members who voted in opposition to tonight’s agenda item were Councilman Daryl Supernaw (District 4), Councilwoman Suzie Price (District 3), and Councilwoman Stacey Mungo (District 5).

Councilwoman Suzie Price tried to quell her supporters after her no vote writing on social media, “You have my word that I won’t be funding other people’s campaigns with my hard earned fundraising dollars! I will continue to support our local community groups, events and programs.”