Support campaign funding reform

As the race for Congress gears up again in the 10th District, I am startled to see the most recent fundraising figures that suggest that candidates are on track to raise over $1 million dollars each this election cycle ("Schneider's donations top rivals in 2nd quarter," July 16).

The enormous amounts of time that candidates must spend raising this money should serve as a sobering reminder of the deeply flawed system of private campaign financing in this country.

Rather than spending their time asking for money from wealthy donors, candidates should be listening to their constituents and communicating their ideas about the future of the country.

As a resident of the 10th District for nearly 60 years, I want candidates for Congress to be running to represent everyday citizens like me, not special interests. In 2016, my vote will go to whichever candidate comes out in support of fundamental election reform that truly puts government back in the hands of the people.

Rep. Bob Dold and candidates Brad Schneider and Nancy Rotering can start by supporting HR 20, the Government by the People Act, a strong reform bill that enacts a system of citizen-funded elections.

This bipartisan bill will ensure that candidates spend their time listening to constituents rather than just asking for donations from a well-connected few. Members of Congress are on the clock, and we need to enable them to spend their time serving the people they were elected to represent.

Sanford Jaffe

Highland Park