In May, Dan White said he should not vote on a change to Hudson’s campaign finance law because he is has an upcoming election. Then he abstained on the vote.
White said the quiet part out loud. He doesn’t want to vote on topics that might harm his electoral chances. He said this in May regarding a vote on campaign finance reform. Three members of Council who will be on the ballot next year did not abstain because being a candidate is not a legitimate reason for punting on city business, The conflict is that it would harm his electoral chances.
“I’m going to abstain from dialogue or voting on this. I’m running for election shortly” – Dan White
Watch it.
The May 12 workshop was about raising the city’s campaign finance contribution cap. On May 19, Council passed the ordinance 5-1-1. The limit went from $100 per donor to $500. Patricia Goetz voted no. Dan White abstained. Amanda Weinstein argued the old cap was outdated and had pushed money into outside PACs. Mike Bird called $500 a “sweet spot.”
It’s important to highlight that Mike Bird and Kyle Brezovec were on the organizing emails for illegal PAC Clocktower Collaborative. Amanda Weinstein’s husband Casey was also involved and wrote a check to the illegal PAC. This illegal action was done to get around the campaign finance laws.
White’s reason for sitting it out was simpler than theirs. He is a candidate this year and didn’t want voting on this top to impact his election.
That is the same problem sitting on tonight’s agenda.
Resolution 26-118 is the Canterbury Meadows settlement. Third reading. Prestige Builder Group and George Vizmeg lost at Planning Commission, lost at BZBA, lost at the previous council, and lost in court. The deal came back after Vizmeg donated to Amanda Weinstein, Samantha D’Eramo, and Kyle Brezovec and campaigned for them. Residents are already talking about suing if Council signs it. Planning Commission answered with a 5-1 vote of no confidence.
White was appointed in December 2025 to the Ward 2 seat. The charter says the voters fill the rest of that term at the next election. That election is November 3. Early voting started today. Phil Trendell is the opponent. A yes on this settlement is not a neutral land-use vote. It is a vote Ward 2 can punish in four weeks.
His allies would rather not test that. At the September 22 workshop, Amanda Weinstein floated moving the Canterbury vote to December, after the ballots are in. Same instinct as the May abstention. Keep White off a recorded vote that voters can still use.
He does not get to use the principle only when it is convenient. He said a candidate should not vote on a matter that touches his own election. Tonight is that matter. Abstain, or explain why the May rule no longer applies.
If a vote proceeds on Canterbury Meadows tonight, expect Dan White to abstain or vote no for his political preservation. If the Democrats on Council delay the vote, they will be throwing Dan White a lifeline.
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