Steve Behar, candidate for NYC Council, took time out from his hectic schedule to spend some time with us to discuss his race as a participant in the New York City Campaign Finance Board Matching Funds Program. This program is funded by NYC taxes and administered by the Campaign Finance Board of NYC. It is a voluntary program that any candidate running for Mayor, Council or any public office within the five Boroughs can use.

A Candidate must raise funds in small amounts from residents in their political district (creates a "seed" fund). This acts like a legitimacy test for the candidate that is similar to garnering specific signatures for the City Clerks office to get your name on the ballot. The funds are matched with a ratio of 6-1. Example : you raise $100 it is matched with $600.00 with a maximum of $88,500.00 per election cycle (Primary and General) Each type of political office has its own threshold with the Mayoral race threshold being the greatest. You are then limited to only spending that maximum amount. You apply for this program and join a compliance program that is strictly monitored by the NYC Campaign Finance Board.

You can opt out of the Program. The Supreme Court continues to uphold the premise that the First Amendment to the Constitution considers an individual's right of Free Speech to include the ability to raise and spend unlimited personal funds for running for public office. Self funders continue to have powerful influence in the political process as the expense of elections continues to escalate.