With something as important as campaign finance reform, due diligence is essential. Constitutional issues must be cleared while getting the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak. That is, it must have teeth, but don’t bite too hard.

It’s a delicate balance that must be struck, assuring that all sides of the issue are thoroughly examined by lawmakers and everyday citizens alike.

The Board of Alderman, in its quest to achieve a state of minimal political influence by developers in the city, has made a valiant effort in bringing a workable solution to the table.

Some, however, find fault with the failed ordinance and hope that the Board will examine alternative variations on the basic theme: limiting the amount of money that developers can contribute to the political campaigns in the city.

The mayor found sufficient fault in the plan to veto the ordinance and – with the accompanying attempt by the Board of Alderman to override the veto – it looks like it will be back to the drawing board for the reformers. We applaud their efforts and encourage the continuation of their quest.

No sets of laws are entirely perfect, but we should always look to find the best solutions possible for every issue at hand.