In our seventeenth episode we discuss campaign contributions made during municipal elections. Should developers and unions be able to make donations? Do those donations influence politicians once they are elected? Should elected officials excuse themselves from decisions for which they might have a conflict of interest?

We discuss those questions and more. The cost of running a campaign for council has risen quite a bit over the last four elections, from about $22,000 in 2001 on average to more than $56,000 in 2010. Candidates need to raise the money, but as Graham says, “money buys influence.”

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• The data: Do developers play kingmaker in civic politics?
• Filed Campaign Disclosure Statements – Edmonton Elections
• Only some Edmonton election candidates pledge to publish donor dollars
• Katz Group’s $430,000 ‘bulk donation’ to Redford’s Tories cleared by Elections Alberta

Thanks for listening!

Full disclosure: Mack is volunteering for Don Iveson’s campaign for mayor.

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