Sanders-Trump debate, campaign finance reform, fouling Shasta Lake
A debate without interference
Re “Sanders, Trump: Let’s rumble” (sacbee.com, The Take, May 26): I like the idea of a Trump-Sanders debate before the California primary. Any time we can hear from candidates about where they stand on issues is good for democracy. So I would hope that the candidates be required to identify problems as they see them, and how they plan to deal with them.
To help ensure that the candidates answer questions, I would suggest that only the candidates, moderator and panelists be part of the debate. There should be no audience, as they interfere with a substantive discussion of the issues.
Joseph Slabbinck, Citrus Heights
Campaign finance reform
Re “Special interests spend big in mayor’s race” (Editorials, May 27): The Sacramento Bee’s editorial board continues to lament independent expenditures by special interests. They’re not alone. Many criticize this “dark money” that has become so common in campaigns. What they don’t lament is what has caused the unfortunate practice: campaign finance reform.
Reform measures have limited how much can be contributed to a candidate. Reform has not similarly restricted IEs. If a person wants to support a candidate beyond the legal limit, they can give to an IE in unlimited amounts and with limited disclosure. This has created an explosion of IEs and super PACs.
The real reform we need is to eliminate restrictions on contributions to candidates and require instant disclosure over the Internet. That would be simple, fully transparent, hold donors and candidates accountable, and would reduce the motivation for independent expenditures.
Roger Niello, Fair Oaks
Ducks foul Shasta Lake
Re “Dozens to help clean at Shasta Lake after weekend trashing” (Page 5A, May 27): Perhaps a lawsuit and/or citations directed at Lambda Chi Alpha and all other responsible University of Oregon fraternities and sororities would help discourage similar incidents and recover costs for cleaning up the damage.
Dave Gunter, Folsom
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This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Sanders-Trump debate, campaign finance reform, fouling Shasta Lake."