The Campaign Finance Board in New York City has been a thorn in the side of politicians since 1989. It aims to keep elections fair and transparent, which often means it's not popular with candidates. The board's job is to regulate how much money flows into political campaigns. This is tricky because the U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that spending money on campaigns is a form of free speech. So, the board's rules are voluntary. Candidates can choose to follow them and get public matching funds in return.

Most mayors have had run-ins with the board. Ed Koch and David Dinkins were fined in the first election under the new system. Sonia Sotomayor, a well-known lawyer, was on the board at the time. Rudy Giuliani and Bill de Blasio also faced fines. Even the current mayor, Eric Adams, has had trouble with the board. His request for matching funds was denied. Mike Bloomberg was the exception. He didn't join the program and didn't take any donations. He funded his own campaigns, winning three times in a row.

The board is currently holding back some matching funds from Andrew Cuomo. This is because of a group supporting him, a super PAC, which can spend unlimited money. The board suspects this group is coordinating with Cuomo's campaign, which is not allowed. Cuomo joined the program later, so he's now dealing with the board's rules. The board's history shows it doesn't play favorites. It applies the rules equally, no matter who's running. This can lead to disputes, but it's all part of keeping elections fair.

The board's rules are designed to level the playing field. They limit how much candidates can spend and who can contribute. This is important because money can influence elections. It can buy ads, hire staff, and pay for other campaign needs. Without limits, wealthy candidates or those with rich backers have an advantage. The board's rules help to even the odds.

The board's work is ongoing. It's always investigating and enforcing its rules. This can be frustrating for candidates, but it's necessary for fair elections. The board's actions show that it's serious about its job. It doesn't back down from powerful figures, not even mayors. This is crucial for maintaining trust in the electoral process.

New York Mayors and the Campaign Finance Board

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