1. In the absence of Chairman Gene Lemon, Commissioner Ruth Jones became the Acting Chairperson for this meeting. The meeting was called to order at approximately 9:40 a.m.
    
   
2. Approval of the November 13, 2001 minutes:

   Commissioner Lopez moved to approve the November 13, 2001 minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Jones, the November 13, 2001 minutes were approved. Motion carried.

   Announcements:

   • The Goldwater Institute published a study regarding the influence of special interests on the voting of legislators. The report purported to compare the differences in voting between participating and nonparticipating candidates in the 2001 Legislative session.
   • The fund balance at the end of November 2001 was $12,215,426.

3. Executive Director's Report:

   Executive Director Colleen Connor gave the Executive Director's Report on the following subjects:

   • Voter Education
     • Annual Tax Conference
     • Continuing Work of CPR and L3
     • The Proposed Debate Sponsor Application and Contract for the 2002 Election
     • The Candidate Statement Pamphlet
   • Budget and Office Operations
     • Approval of the 2002 Budget
     • The Fund Disbursement Procedure
     • Candidate Training Seminars for 2002
   • Legislative Matters
     • Proposed Legislation

4. Discussion of COGEL meeting in Lexington, Kentucky:

   The Commissioners and the staff enjoyed the COGEL Conference. The many seminars presented were useful and the networking valuable.

5. Legal Report (Oral Report from Assistant Attorney General Todd Lang):

   Oral arguments in the Lavis v. Bayless case were heard on November 20, 2001 and a final decision is pending.

   Articles 3 through 7 of the Commission's proposed rules have been precleared by the U.S. Department of Justice.

6. Deputy Director, Matt Shaffer gave an overview of the Budget for 2002:

   Commissioner Lopez moved to accept the Budget for 2002 as presented, seconded by Commissioner Detrick. Motion carried.

7. Consideration and Discussion of Candidate Debates:
    
   
   1. A Presentation by representatives of the Arizona State University.

      Assistant Vice President Nancy Jordan, and Director Gail Howard, Arizona State University submitted a proposal to co-sponsor selected 2002 debates to the Commission.

   2. Revised Debate Sponsor Application:

      Commissioner Detrick moved to accept the Revised Debate Sponsor Application as presented, seconded by Commissioner McKay. Motion carried.

   3. Proposed Debate Format and Ground Rules:

      Commissioner Detrick moved to accept the Proposed Debate Format and Ground Rules as presented, seconded by Commissioner Lopez. Motion carried.

      Commissioner Jones recused herself in the discussion regarding ASU's proposal to co-sponsor the 2002 debates, as she is an employee of Arizona State University and considered it a conflict of interest.

8. Nomination of Commission Chairperson:

   Commissioner Lopez moved to nominate Commissioner Jones as the new 2002 Chairperson for the Citizens Clean Election Commission, seconded by Commissioner McKay. Motion carried.

9. Discussion and Consideration of Fund Disbursement Procedures and Resubmission of an Application for Funding:

   Jessica Funkhouser, Elections Director for the Secretary of State's Office and Karen Osborn, Elections Director for the Maricopa County Recorder's Office explained to the Commission, in detail, the process for verifying qualifying contribution forms. They suggested that the Commission create a list of tips for the candidates and have it available on the CCEC website.

   Commissioner Detrick moved to accept the Fund Disbursement Procedure and Resubmission of an Application for Funding as presented, seconded by Commissioner McKay. commissioner Ruth Jones dissented.
   Motion carried.

10. Public Comment:

    Cecilia Martinez, Executive Director, Clean Elections Institute

    Ms. Martinez spoke on behalf of The Clean Election Institute. She stated it is the role of the Clean Elections Institute to promote and protect the Clean Elections Act and protect the spirit of the law. The Institute is disappointed with the motion carried to accept the fund disbursement procedures and the resubmission of applications as presented. Ms. Martinez stated the Institute feels that the new procedure hinders and defies the spirit of the law. The law is supposed to open the process to people who have never run for office before and community leaders that do not have access to funds. The Institute felt the law ran smoothly in 2000 and feels the new process will close the door for many candidates. The Institute believes that issues of this nature can be dealt with by educating candidates and not by the rule. It is their goal to educate candidates to get it right the first time and not punish candidates who are well intentioned.

    Marge Mead, League of Women Voters and Clean Elections Institute

    Marge Mead addressed the Commission on two issues. The first issue is a clarification of her comments made to the Commission at the November 13, 2001 Commission meeting. Ms. Mead wanted to make it clear that she was speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters, and not as an individual.

    Marge Mead then addressed the Commission as a member of the Board for the Clean Election Institute. She fully supports the comments made by Cecilia Martinez. Speaking on behalf of the Clean Elections Institute and not the League of Women Voters, she clearly disagrees with the new procedures for candidate fund disbursements and resubmissions of an application.

    Carol Mattoon, League of Women Voters

    Carol Mattoon informed the Commission about the efforts the League of Women Voters are taking to spread the word on Clean Elections. The League is using the month of December to try and educate taxpayers about the opportunity to contribute their tax dollars to the Clean Election Fund. The League has created an easy-to-read one-page flier explaining the quickest way to receive a tax credit. The League has distributed 1500 copies; mostly in Sun City and Sun City West.

11. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 8, 2002 at 9:30 a.m., Citizens Clean Elections Commission, 4001 N. 3rd Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.
     
    
12. To be placed on the next agenda:
    • Consideration and Discussion of Candidate Statement Procedure
    • Consideration of Informational Brochures
    • Consideration of One Party Dominant Districts
    • Discussion and Consideration of the Final Auditor General's Report

    Commissioner Lopez moved that the Commission go into Executive Session to discuss the preliminary Auditor General's Report, seconded by Commissioner Detrick. Motion carried.

    The Executive Session ended and Commissioner Lopez moved to adjourn the Commission meeting, seconded by Commissioner McKay. Motion carried.

13. Adjournment

Dated this 12^th day of December, 2001

Citizens Clean Elections Commission