SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle City Council has voted to require certain groups that spend money to build public pressure on city politicians to register and disclose their finances. The Seattle Times reports the City Council approved an ordinance this week establishing rules meant to shed light on such activities, and the rules are set to take effect in about six months. The vote was 8-1. Councilmember Kshama Sawant opposed the ordinance, describing the rules as too onerous for grassroots groups and warning they could discourage political organizing by ordinary people. Council President M. Lorena González and other supporters said the changes are needed because sophisticated groups have been able to spend on public politicking without disclosure requirements.
Seattle to require lobbying group registration, disclosure
