Guest Opinion: William Paparian | Voter Wisdom Over Big Money: It’s Time for Pasadena to End “Golden Rule” Politics

As Pasadena voters finished casting ballots in the 2026 primary, Lorraine Ali’s recent Los Angeles Times column offers a timely reality check. The UC Berkeley poll shows 47% of Californians rely most on the official mailed voter guide, while only 9% find expensive campaign mailers useful. Many simply become “mosquito swatters.”

This should resonate powerfully in our city. For years I have warned that Pasadena City Hall operates under the Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold make the rules.” Nowhere is this clearer than in our continued refusal to adopt meaningful campaign contribution limits.

In 2023, I wrote that Pasadena had gone rogue by rejecting local limits while neighbors acted responsibly. Burbank set its cap at $500; Glendale at $1,140. Pasadena still defaults to the state’s $5,900 per contributor limit — too high for City Council races representing just 10,000–15,000 voters each.

In 2024, the bipartisan Charter Reform Task Force recommended $1,000 limits for council races and $2,500 for mayor. The City Council split 4-4. With today’s primary complete, we have a fresh opportunity to finish the job.

The data supports action. Pasadena’s council races typically involve modest spending. Voters turn first to the neutral candidate statements in the Los Angeles County Sample Ballot Booklet, search engines (44%), and neighbor conversations (33%). Expensive ads and mailers add little value.

Without limits, we risk a political wild west dominated by big developers, unions, and outside interests. Challengers with deep community roots but limited fundraising networks are disadvantaged. The appearance of donor influence grows on critical issues like housing, the 710 stub, Rose Bowl development, and city finances.

Lower limits would encourage the authentic grassroots campaigning Pasadena voters clearly prefer: door-knocking in Bungalow Heaven, neighborhood forums, and direct engagement. Critics argue this would merely shift money to independent expenditures. Yet the Task Force found no conclusive evidence of that outcome in comparable cities.

Pasadena updated its voluntary Fair Campaign Practices Agreement this year — a welcome but insufficient step. We need enforceable limits with real consequences. Courts have consistently upheld reasonable contribution caps to prevent corruption or its appearance.

Do we really want to be known as “Golden Rule Pasadena,” where those who have the gold make the rules? I don’t believe most residents do.

City Council should direct staff to prepare a new ordinance or charter amendment immediately. Residents can contact their councilmembers, attend upcoming committee meetings, and support placing this issue before voters.

Pasadena has a proud tradition of thoughtful, community-driven governance. Let’s live up to it by ensuring our elections reward ideas and records — not war chests. The official voter guide already proves how informed our residents are. It’s time for City Hall to trust that wisdom.

William Paparian is a former Mayor of Pasadena.