Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch is set to propose a new, comprehensive ethics ordinance that will create a $500 cap on campaign donations from businesses or entities that have contracts with the City.
The proposed ordinance builds off Aurora’s 2019 Ordinance, enhancing safeguards around local elected officials. Key reforms from the proposed ordinance include more thorough disclosures of economic interests and campaign finances, campaign contribution limits and regulation, regulation of lobbyists, and regulation of City property and the City Seal.
Under proposed Section 2-185, more broad disclosures of economic interests will be required. Outside employment, real estate assets, entity ownership, City-funded organization membership, and gift/loan forgiveness over $150 will need to be disclosed under the new proposal. The annual electronic filing of these disclosures would need to be completed by January 31 with penalties for late, incomplete or false reporting.
Proposed Sections 15-320 to 15-322 pertain to campaign contributions, spearheaded by the $500 cap from entities doing business, or seeking to do City business, and from lobbyists, clients, and vendors. Additionally, no cash contributions over $150 or anonymous or pass-through donations will be permitted. If entities do not comply, penalties could result in the disqualification of doing business with the City of Aurora for a 4-year period.
Lobbyists and entities with ownership interests over five percent would be prohibited from direct or in-kind contributions to City officers, candidates, or committees, per proposed Section 15-321. Any violation of this Section may lead to a four-year ban on doing business with the City of Aurora.
Proposed Section 15-534 creates a broad definition of City property, encompassing buildings, equipment, the City seal, and employee time. In addition, it prohibits the unauthorized use of City property for political purposes, with narrow exceptions listed for incidental use of the Seal and candidacy announcements.
“Aurora residents deserve a transparent and accountable government that works for everyone,” mayor Laesch said. “Through this proposed ordinance, I intend to modernize the City’s ethics framework, eliminate outdated and duplicative rules, strengthen transparency and accountability, and align our City with State law and best practices.”
The proposed ordinance will go before the City’s Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee. If approved, the proposed ordinance would go before Aurora’s Committee of the Whole on October 21, and then, for potential final approval and adoption into law at the October 28 Aurora City Council meeting.
— City of Aurora government