Father O'Hare, 71, said he had planned to retire at 70, but had stayed on longer because so much was still happening.

The board's success has been due in large measure to the leadership of Father O'Hare, whose term is about to expire.

Father O'Hare said the changes would encourage more city residents to contribute to political campaigns and increase the value of those contributions.

"I happen to think he is doing a good job under difficult circumstances," Father O'Hare said.

"We reduced the influence of money, and we've increased the information available to the public," Father O'Hare said.

I do not like a policy put in those terms," Father O'Hare said, "because you'd always want to take into account an individual student.

Father O'Hare has led the board with firmness and integrity since the program's inception.

Father O'Hare said his secretary has been locking the rectory door for the first time in memory.

"We haven't felt the need for any sanctions," Father O'Hare said.

Father O'Hare's board is empowered to determine what is really an independent expense.