"A contribution is a monetary or non-monetary payment made to a candidate or committee for which you do not receive goods, services, or other consideration of equal value in return." -CA Gov't Code § 82015 Running for and holding public office requires personal sacrifices. As LAUSD Board Member Scott Schmerelson has found out, your investment broker's financial decisions become the subject of public scrutiny. City Council candidate Joe Bray-Ali learned that past postings on the internet can sink a campaign. Mónica Ratliff had to give up her job as a district teacher and took a cut in pay to become an LAUSD Board Member. Halfway through her term, she took a teaching job at another school district because the $45,000 a year salary as a member of the board was not enough to cover her expenses. When Marilyn Koziatek decided to become a candidate for the LAUSD Board Seat 3, she and her employer felt that there might be a possible conflict with her responsibilities as Granada … [Read more...] about Did Marilyn Koziatek Accept An Illegal Campaign Contribution?