Now that the 2015 council elections are in the rear-view mirror, the Houston City Council's Committee on Budget & Fiscal Affairs will meet to examine amending Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances, relating to campaign contributions.
Under the current ordinance a candidate for mayor cannot be reimbursed for personal loans to their campaign in excess of $75,000. Those seeking a city-wide office (controller and at-large council offices) are limited to reimbursement for personal loans in excess of $15,000, while district office candidates are limited to $5,000 personal loan repayments.
Though the request for increased limits came from current council members, Mayor Sylvester Turner said it will have little effect on the current council.
“It doesn’t impact the overwhelming members of the city council that’s being considered,” Turner said. “It doesn’t apply to the Mayor Pro Tem (Councilmember Ellen R. Cohen, District C). It doesn’t apply to me,” the mayor added.
Following Wednesday’s council meeting Mayor Turner was hesitant to disclose which members of the current council suggested altering the ordinance, or discuss concerns that raising the loan limits would benefit wealthier candidates. He did say that there is no intention to raise the $75,000 limit for mayoral candidates.
Thursday’s meeting will take place in the City Council Chamber at 2:00 p.m.