Sec. 2-300. - Statement of policy.

It is essential in a democratic system that the public has confidence in the integrity, independence, and impartiality of those who are elected to act on their behalf in government. There is a public perception that a relationship exists between substantial contributions and access to elected officials. To diminish the perceived or actual connection between contributions and influence, the city adopts this campaign finance code to promote public confidence and, it is hoped, a greater degree of citizen participation in the electoral process.

(Ord. No. 99538, § 1, 8-5-04)

Sec. 2-301. - Definitions.

(a)

Contribution cycle. The following constitute separate contribution cycles:

(1)

The pre-election contribution cycle begins on July 1 of the calendar year before the date of the regular municipal election, and ends on the date of the regular municipal election;

(2)

For a candidate or a specific-purpose political action committee (SPAC) formed for the purpose of supporting a candidate in a run-off election after the regular municipal election, the run-off contribution cycle begins the day after the regular municipal election, and ends on the date of the run-off election;

(3)

The post-election contribution cycle begins on the day after the regular municipal election or the day after the run-off election, as applicable, until June 30 of the calendar year before the next regular municipal election.

(b)

Under Texas Election Code, Section 251.001, a "contribution" means a direct or indirect transfer of money, goods, or services, or any other thing of value and includes an agreement made or other obligation incurred, whether legally enforceable or not, to make a transfer. The term includes a loan or extension of credit, other than those expressly excluded by this subdivision, and a guarantee of a loan or extension of credit, including a loan described by this subdivision.

The term "contribution" does not include a loan made in the due course of business by a corporation that is legally engaged in the business of lending money and that has conducted the business continuously for more than one year before the loan is made.

(c)

A loan is deemed to be made in the ordinary due course of business if it:

(1)

Bears the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution for the category of loan involved;

(2)

Is made on a basis that assures repayment;

(3)

Is evidenced by a written instrument; and

(4)

Is subject to a due date or amortization schedule.

(d)

Terms not defined in this chapter but defined in the Texas Election Code shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Texas Election Code.

(Ord. No. 99538, § 1, 8-5-04; Ord. No. 100284, § 1, 1-13-05; Ord. No. 2006-03-02-0269, § 1(Exh. A), 3-2-06)