Editorial Board | San Jose Mercury-News | Apr. 1, 2010
Proposition 15, the initiative on the June ballot to publicly finance the 2014 and 2018 campaigns for secretary of state, won't eliminate the influence of money in politics. It's a small step in the right direction, however — and if it's successful, it could lead to much-needed broader campaign finance reform. Vote yes.
The problems with the existing system are well-chronicled. Candidates spend so much time fundraising that they don't have time to talk to voters. Politicians become so beholden to contributors that they can't — or won't — do what's right for constituents.
Proposition 15 is a pilot project that attempts to remove the corrupting influence of money in one race. Given that the secretary of state oversees elections, it's a good place to start.