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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06072005 - SD3 tr TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS _..... Contra FRonl: Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier � Costa DATE: June 6, 2005 County SUBJECT: Opposition to Statewide Special Election SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION ADOPT a position opposing the calling of a statewide special selection because of the costs involved. BACKGROUND Governor Schwarzenegger has indicated his intention to call a special statewide election this year. The California Secretary of State has estimated that the cost to counties would total between $53 million and $69.7 million. In Contra Costa County the estimated expenditure would be approximately $2.5 million dollars. This comes at a time when our budget, like all the others pp �' across the state, is severely strained. We are struggling to provide critical services and look to the needs of our people. This would be a severe blow. While the Governor has promised a return of$2 billion dollars to the state's education budget, the Legislature continues to debate the cutting of essential health and support services to bridge the gap in available financial resources. The costs involved with this election would burden our fragile economy for the sake of an election full of initiatives from all over the political spectrum. The price of this frivolous exercise is just too high forcounties which must meet their mandate to serve the most vulnerable members of our society. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTIIER SI(;NATi IRF.(SA ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED_ OTIIER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS 1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS 1S A TRUE UNANIMOUS(ABSENT 9006 ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED C)(a A I-/*r JOHN SW TEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Contact: k cc: gy X DEPUTY ADDENDUM TO ITEM SD.3 June 7, 2005 On this day,the Board of Supervisors considered adopting a position opposing the calling of a statewide special election because of the costs involved. Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier,noting that the Board of Supervisors works best as a nonpartisan body, suggested viewing this issue strictly as a fiscal issue.He noted that the County is in the climate of a budget crisis, and said that even if the County were to pursue reimbursement for a special election from the State,the money would still be coming from taxpayers. The public was invited to speak,and the following persons provided testimony: Rollie Katz,representing Public Employees Union Local#1,urged the Board's support of this item,noting that there is nothing so critical that it could not be placed on a regular election ballot; Mike Weinberg,representing SEIU Local 535,encouraged the Board to pass this item with a 5-0 vote; Ron Walker,representing the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County,IAFF Local 1230,noted that there are many meaningful discussions that need to take place. Chair Gayle B.Uilkema stated that she never could have anticipated making the choice not to hold an election as elections are at the heart of our country in an effort to save money. But, she said that after participating in the County Budget Hearings the day prior, she could now say that the County does not have discretion and does not have the money for a special election. She stated that she was not speaking from a partisan place,but from the place of a local person making a practical choice. Supervisor Mary N. Peipho said that elections are the voice of the people,and that to support this item would be in effect giving up the voice of the people. She suggested that the County should be advocating reimbursement in Sacramento for a special election. Supervisor John Gioia said that the issue is not whether the voters will get to vote,but when.He stated that even if the County were reimbursed,taxpayers would still be paying for the election,just through State rather than local taxes. He also suggested considering the issue of voter fatigue;that with many elections in a short period of time,voter turnout could decrease. Supervisor Federal Glover said the issue was straightforward after having looked at the conditions of the State, and considering the strain a special election would put on the State at a time when resources are thin. Supervisor Piepho suggested that if the Board Order were more specific to this budget climate she would be more amenable to supporting it. Supervisor DeSaulnier made a motion to amend the language of the Board Order as follows(amended language underlined): "ADOPT a position opposing the calling of a statewide special election in 2005 because of costs involved during the current budget crisis." Supervisor Glover seconded the motion. Supervisor Piepho suggested adding a caveat to encourage seeking reimbursement for special election costs. ADDEND UM TO ITEM SD.3 June 7, 2005 Page 2 of 2 Supervisor DeSaulnier said he could not support adding that caveat,as whether State or local,there are no funds available and the costs incurred from a special election could put valuable programs at risk. Supervisor Piepho noted her discomfort but agreed to support the item as amended in the motion. By unanimous approval,the Board of Supervisors: ADOPTED a position opposing the calling of a statewide special election in 2005 because of costs involved during the current budget crisis. L; L vi)J 11 Posted on Thu,, May. 19, 2005 Counties concerned as projected cost of special election grows BRIAN MELLEY ASSociated Press SAUtAMENTO-A group representing counties sent a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday asking the state to pay for a special election he wants to call this fall. The California State Association of Counties asked the governor to help out the fiscally strapped counties that are still recovering from three straight years of statewide elections and the cost of installing new voting equipment required under federal laws. "The issues have placed escalating financial demands on counties,"said James Keene, executive director of the organization. The 2003 recall election, for example, cost nearly $55 million, "a fiscal hit that still reverberates through county budgets as they struggle to provide critical services while balancing an array of urgent budget needs," Keene said. The governor is supporting several ballot Initiatives and said he will go to the polls if lawmakers don't negotiate to help him achieve his agenda. Democrats have denounced the move and targeted the estimated $80 million cost. Schwarzenegger has not decided whether to call an election so it's premature to discuss whether the state would pay, said spokesman H.D. Palmer, Counties., which pay their own election costs, want to be reimbursed as they were following a 1993 special election. Yolo County's Clerk/Recorder Freddie Oakley has protested the prospect of paying an anticipated $300,000 to prepare for the election, mail out absentee ballots and open the polls. If the governor won't discuss footing the bill, Oakley said she will only hold a special election under court order. "The saloon is open and the governor is welcome to belly up to the bar and call for a drink. And he's welcome to pay for it," Oakley said. "I don't want hard working moms and dads making $10 to $15 an hour to have to pay for his election." Yoto County's finances mirror those of other counties around the state.The county furloughed all employees for two weeks without pay at Christmas last year to avoid layoffs. That move cost the county about$150,000 to pay sheriff's deputies who protested and won their case in arbitration. A special election would cost the county about twice that much, Oakley said, Costs per county range from a few thousand dollars In the smallest county to as much as $10 million in Los Angeles. While counties unsuccessfully sought reimbursement for the recall election that put Schwarzenegger In office,they said that was held under different circumstances because the citizens called for the vote to oust Gov. Gray Davis. "I think there's a real distinction between one that Is called by the voters," said Conny McCormack, registrar of voters in Los Angeles president of the Californian Association of Clerks and Election Officials, "There is no requirement to call this election." McCormack's group and the association of counties are asking that if Schwarzenegger calls an election, that it be held Nov. 8, when some counties have local elections planned. California State Association of Counties: http:'/www-csac.countie!s.org/ htti)://www.mercurynews.com/i-nld/mercurynews/news/local/states/call'fomia-/northem.cali... 5/25/2005 E r r E �t'"l I��L I E 1 t .. ♦ MjW ML a I ornia State Associal*ion o Counties Y• a California's Counties Election Reimbursement 1. CSAC Advocacy Legislative Tracking Counties Ask Governor to EnsUre Budget News Reimbursement of Election Administration of Justice Costs AgriCUlture&Natural Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has dominated the airwaves since Resources January by declaring 2005 to be the "'Year of Reform." He rebased Economic Development Government FinanCe & a number of reform proposals targeting everything from pension Operations, reform to teacher merit pay. And from day one, the Governor maide Health&Human Services it clear that he may call a statewide special election this fall to allow Housing, Land Use& the people of California to weigh in on his top priorities.. Treinsportation Federal Issues Hot Issues If the Governor does call a special election - he has until June 13 to Legislative Staff do so if he wants to ensure that it coincides with some previously Legislative Process scheduled local elections on November 8 - the Secretary of State's Leaks' ttive office has estimated that It would cost counties between $53 million Bul le.ti ns/Leadership Letters and $69.7 million. CPR Repert csAC Legislative As you know, county elections officials are charged with conducting priorities 20o5 free and accurate elections on bath the local and statewide level, CSACservices and have worked diligently to fulfill their duties despite. three Inside CSAC continuous years of statewide ballot elections and numerous issues related to federal voting requirements, voting systems, and recent FAQs turmoil in the Secretary of State's Office, xOWN • The issues outlined above have placed escalating financial demands on counties. For example, the 2003 recall election cost counties nearly $55 million, a fiscal hit that still reverberates through county budgets as they struggle to provide critical services while balancing an array of urgent budget needs. CA county Magazine The cost of administering an unscheduled special election varies from county to county, based on the number of registered voters and whether a county has a previously scheduled local election on November 8. For example, according to the Secretary of State's data, a November special election would cost tiny Alpine County $7,153, while Los Angeles County, with four million registered voters, anticipates $3 million in election-related expenses. For these reasons, counties must be assured that the state will allocate sufficient funds to reimburse counties for the cost of ;4rJminicf arinn ci ieh nn alp►,--��... IV, I V` ~I J(�. �r. ` 1�! i� {��� v • v v L. ! v v v U 10 U I)I St d r U1 Ke •.r ti. :}..:•`a.} Lt 4`yy• ryy. [r...r,A.i... ..•. .e. r w JA . r•49.:�irl i r ..+'r,.i. Ii r.''.[:r.• .r. r,,•i�.. t•iii i„ t.,..:t �:.t' �� o governor ,�";s((?t,`�,rr 4•.''' ; ' �lr.< rti,r:�. .., F ✓lir. .plfy:K.,y♦• ' {� , I rsr' �)•r•�` '. -: T She says only a judge �. �,�•• t • .r } .fit�Y. could make her hold a w ,'a•'K l i ('C S 'f' j4- $300,000 special election `• . _��• r �> �rrP".M in November By Gary D►elsohln -- Bee Capital Bureau M , Published 2:15 am PLAT Thursday, May 12, 2005 Freddie Oakley,Yolo County's registrar,examines stacks of petitlons Wednesday acCompamiCd by her County officials around the state are service dog,Indie, Oakley says a proposed November griping about the casts of staging special election would cost the county too much Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's money, special election, but none has gone Sacrament*Bee/Manny Crisostotno as far as Freddie Oakley, Yolo County's registrar. Convinced a November statewide election would waste scarce county money, she's threatening not to hold it unless ordered by a judge. "Maybe I should ,Just go to jail," Oakley said Wednesday. "Martha Stewart carne out 30 pounds lighter and looking 10 years younger. It's not the worst thing." A special election, she said, would cost Yolo County$300,000 at a time it is already running a budget deficit. Statewide, the estimated casts are about $70 million. "We're very concerned about the costs,,, Oakley said. "we furloughed employees last year. We're looking at laying off employees this year. Last year, every single one of my employees had to take two weeks' unpaid vacation - at Christmas. It was grim. Those are the folks we're asking to pay for the election, when you come right down to it." Oakley said she she's eager to stand up to Schwarzenegger and refuse to hold the election, but she concedes she'd probably obey a judge's order - if it carne to that. "I can see myself defying this governor," she said. "I would stand nose to nose with him and tell hire what a terrible Idea this is. It's a waste of state money if the state pays for it, but I'll run his election if the state does pay. „I'll defy this governor," she added, "but I don't know if I could defy a Superior Court judge.,' If she does go to jail, Yolo County Supervisor Mariko Yamada, a Democrat, said she'll join her. Yamada wrote an April 26 resolution passed by the board and sent to Schwarzenegger asking him not to call the special election in November, since a regular statewide electlon is set for next June. "I told Freddie we might go together," Yamada said. "Why not? I haven't been arrested for a good cause In quite a while. I think this is something I would be willing to go to jail for a while over." Yamada's resolution said Yolo's $300,000 share "would serge more than 100 more clients in the Yolo (County Healthcare for Indigents program, provide 25,000 hours of in-horne care or pave 158,400 feet of county roads." �C�t' 'I , . irL LST-( J L i Fi I I' 1 �v�I`I L1 i vU L � L �....,.:�,�..1 4..7, {.JI 4 to b�. }Mast,+ 11V111 �,VUI I>Ly 1 ui iu-5. ►�u�. nS officials said Gov. Pete Wilson included a payback to the counties In 1993 when he and legislative leaders called the last statewide special election before the 2003 recall that brought Schwarzenegger to office. "It would be potentially a huge hit In Los Angeles, maybe $10 million or so," said Cony McCormack, the registrar there and president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. "We certainly didn't budget for that." McCormack said she was encouraged after meeting with new Secretary of State Bruce McPherson soon after Schwarzenegger appointed him to replace Kevin " Shelley, who resigned_ „ "Bruce told us he thought the counties should be reimbursed for their costs" she said. "I'm sure it was a sincere statement and I'll ask him to follow up on It. McPherson said Wednesday he will recommend to Schwarzenegger the state reimburse counties for their costs. About 61 jurisdictions around the state, such as water and school districts, are scheduled to hold elections Nov. 8, and he thinks it's reasonable for the state to pay the extra costs. "That is his call," McPherson said of Schwarzenegger, "and I'll have to wait to see what he says." H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for Schwarzenegger's Finance Department, acknowledged that special election costs are not in the revised budget the Republic-an governor will release Friday. But he said, "No special election has been called, so it's premature," Schwarzenegger has been threatening since January to call a November special election so he could place several government overhaul measures before voters. If he decides to hold it Nov. 8, which is the date he has most often mentioned, he must declare the election by June 13, If it's a week or two later, which administration officials have said is possible, it would mean it could not be held in conjunction with already scheduled local elections, raising costs even more, according to county registrars. "That's something no one is talking about," McCormack said. "If he has it a week or two later, it's very hard for us to turn things around that quick. I don't think anyone's talked to the governor to explain what's involved." Spending the money, Schwarzenegger has maintained, is justified because his proposals could ultimately save taxpayers billions. When he was asked about the costs at a January press conference, he was pushing a pension "rerorm" and a new spending control measure. He has since dropped the pension proposal and said he may try that next year. "Don't think little, don't think Little," Schwarzenegger scolded one journalist who questioned the cost at the Sacramento Press Club. "I'm thinking big. ... I'm in business. I can tell you, sometimes you have to put up a certain amount of money to make more money back." Oakley is one of about two dozen registrars around the state elected by voters, and she's always been quick to speak her mind_ Neither a Democrat nor a Republican _ "I'm a 'decilne to state,' " she said - Oakley was twice appointed to political jobs by Wilson, Schwanzenegger's political mentor. She can't imagine herself going to Jail, she said, but she has discussed the option with her husband and two daughters, who are young adults. "I've seriously considered it," she said. "My husband is a professor of law at UC Davls, and I think he can use the rest, too. He wouldn't mind if I were in jallf probably. My kids made me promise I wouldn't do it, but I don't know."