With municipal election campaigns ramping up in several provinces, those seeking office as a councillor or mayor are immediately confronted with one of the thorniest problems they will face: Will they take campaign donations? And if so, from whom?

How municipal campaigns are funded is a question of great importance. Some jurisdictions have strict regulations about the size of a donation and restrict who can donate. Some municipalities offer a tax deduction for municipal contributions, but many do not.

The public seems to be deeply engaged in questioning campaign finances. There is a great divide in opinions over whether those seeking election should even accept donations. The usual stated fear is about alleged influence from the donor once the candidate is in office.

Developers are often accused of wanting influence. Decisions made by the local council can certainly impact their construction plans. Equally, other business groups or law firms make contributions. Some unions make contributions. So do lots of other people and organizations.

The answer in my opinion is simple: if your vote is for sale at any price, the public would be wise not to elect you to office.

The simple fact is that campaigns cost money. Few candidates running for municipal office can self-fund the campaign. And usually there are regulations limiting what one family can contribute, as I believe there should be to stop a very rich person self-funding; we have seen the impact in US elections of the mega-rich buying elections, and it is unseemly.

There is a more recent issue for candidates, and that is social media. Blogs or posts may circulate wildly unfair or inaccurate comments about who is (or has) taken donations from some group. The implication (or sometimes accusation) is that the candidate is, has, or will, be swayed by campaign donations. There will be chest-thumping demands to not vote for some candidate because of how they voted on some issue and the allegation of favoritism.

In today's political universe, that is the ugly reality of social media.

Sadly, somewhere in Canada this fall in some municipal election(s), there will instances of corruption in campaign financing. A candidate will lie or submit false financial statements. Campaign limits will be exceeded. Some use of campaign money will be spent incorrectly. Audits will be late or incorrect. These are why the rules are in place, to ensure a fair and honest election.

Donations are an issue that every candidate must face. Only they can set their limits and determine what bridges they will not cross. It is a valuable litmus test as we enter the election cycle.