By ensuring that all serious candidates are able to raise enough money to communicate their views and positions adequately to the public, public financing promotes healthy public debate of the important issues involved in political campaigns, a condition of a vibrant and healthy democracy. If there was a debate, would it be fair have only or two candidates have access to a microphone? Or would it be fair to make sure all the participants had access to a microphone? Public financing ensures that all credible candidates have the ability to have their message heard by the public -- which ensures that the voters have enough information to make an informed decision.

The influence of big money in elections has an inordinate amount of influence on politicians through campaign donations, which in turn leads to a manipulation of public policy -- often against the interests of the public. Public financing changes that by having the public themselves finance the campaigns.

Public financing results in a net savings of money by reducing the waste that results from the special favors that take place under a pay-to-play system. It also reduces waste by allowing politicians more time to focus on running government rather than raising money. This is money that can be diverted to education, clean streets, homelessness and the environment.

The cost of our current public financing program is capped at $2.75 per San Francisco resident per year. That's approximately $1.00 for every $3000 the city spends, or .03% of the budget. If you believe that even $1 for every $3000 is wasted on inefficiency or corruption as a result of the influence of big money on elections then it follows that this system will save money.

But don't take our word for it: we detailed $70 million in giveaways by the City to campaign contributors – before we implemented the public financing program.

Oftentimes, minority groups have no access to government as a result of not being able to have the money to influence elected officials. This system changes that by making small donations count for much more, and limiting the overall amount that candidates need to raise. Under Arizona’s public financing law minority candidates tripled between 1998 (the last year with privately financed elections) and 2004.

Greenlining Institute Report: Public financing boosts minority candidates and participation.

Politicians currently spend an inordinate amount of time raising money. This is time that they could be spending doing the important work that our city needs.