Well in advance of the next local government elections, legislation is on the table to limit election expenses.
Because Bowen has less than 10,000 people, the proposed expense limits establish a flat rate of $10,000 for mayoral candidates and $5,000 for all other locally elected offices.
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender introduced the provincial legislation this week though the next local
government elections in British Co
lumbia will be in 2018.
Limits will apply to candidates running for mayor, councilor, electoral area director, Islands Trust area trustee and school board trustee. Limits will also affect third-party advertising.
Expense limits for candidates and electoral organizations would apply from Jan. 1 of the election year to Election Day. Expenses leading up to Jan.1 would not be considered in the tabulation.
According to Elections BC, the highest amount of money spent on a campaign on Bowen Island last election by either council or mayoral candidates was the $12,291.43, spent on Tim Rhodes campaign.
