Petaluma Joins Number of Cities Opposed to Citizens United Decision

This week, the council passed a resolution that seeks to reverse the controversial Citizens United decision which gives corporations unrestricted rights to contribute to political campaigns.

In doing so, Petaluma joins a growing number of cities around the country that are voicing opposition to the Supreme Court ruling, which critics say gives corporations too much influence in elections and threatens free speech.

Oakland, Albany, Los Angeles, New York and Boulder, Colo. have passed similar resolutions, and on January 5, California Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski introduced a new resolution to repeal the Citizens United ruling.

In an interview on Democracy Now!, Wieckowski said that:

“This decision flies in the face of all the history of the United States of trying to limit corporate influence and trying to limit these—have these manipulations in our elections. It’s really—it’s quite scary right now in California with all the money that potentially could be spent on determining the outcome of races.

Petaluma’s resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Teresa Barreett and approved 6-1, with Councilman Mike Harris dissenting. Harris said he didn't think the resolution was a good use of city resources. But Councilman Mike Healy said the resolution wasn't a "left or right issue, but about good governance."

You can also find the entire resolution on the right.