Clive Doucet’s campaign pledge

Mayoralty candidate Clive Doucet held a press conference yesterday at which he announced that 5% of funds raised by his campaign are being set aside for a community energy efficiency project (Doucet pledges 5% of election funds for eco project, Jon Willing, Ottawa Sun, August 10, 2010). Unfortunately some on-line commentators responding to this article are using the good news announcement to attack Doucet personally, even suggesting that it is possibly illegal.

Whatever the eventual outcome of this election, Doucet's pledge will continue to contribute to the wellbeing of the Ottawa community. Simply replacing an old furnace can save as much as 50% in heating costs; a daycare facility that installs a heat recovery ventilator will see fewer colds. These are just two examples of modest steps that would make a lasting contribution; there are many others.

The Suggestion that such a pledge is illegal is ridiculous. This is simply the result of opponents trying to smear Doucet's campaign when it receives some good press.

• Is buying staples for a campaign legal? Yes!
• Is buying posters and lawn signs legal? Yes!
• Is using developer's money to fund the hiring of political consultants to help with campaigns legal? Unfortunately yes!

And so is publicly announcing that Clive Doucet's campaign is going to spend money on charitable donations that will make the community a better place to live!