AURORA, IL — The Aurora City Council voted to enact a new ethics ordinance that puts a yearly $1,500 cap on campaign donations from local businesses or entities that are doing business in the city.
"Aurora residents deserve a transparent and accountable government that works for everyone," Mayor John Laesch said in a statement. "This Ordinance is delivering on a long-fought ethics battle to reduce the influence of corporate money in the City contracting and procurement process."
The $1,500 cap pertains to entities doing business, or seeking to do business, in Aurora, and to lobbyists, clients and vendors. Those who don't comply could face penalties that would prohibit them from doing business with the city for four years.
The ordinance also expands economic interest disclosure requirements of candidates, elected officials and certain employees. Outside employment, political committee affiliations, real estate assets and entity ownership must be disclosed. Gifts over $150 will also need to be made known by June 1, with penalties for late, incomplete or false reporting, according to a news release.
Laesch first proposed the reform package in October, but it proceeded to face delays and numerous debates at committee meetings, according to the Chicago Tribune.
"As someone who takes zero dollars from corporations that do business with the City of Aurora, I still believe that more work needs to be done," Laesch said. "The ordinance's original draft was watered down significantly during the floor discussion by still allowing 'shadow PACs' to take donations from city contractors and use that money to influence Aurora’s municipal elections. We can do better, and I will keep pushing for more change."
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