Ballot Backsliding
The League of Women Voters was very disappointed with the San Diego City Council’s refusal to place the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission before the city’s voters.
While individual council members may not agree with the commission’s proposed Charter amendments, the City Council did “declare(s) that all recommendations made by the commission shall be placed directly on the ballot without further council directive.” Shouldn’t council members feel obligated to honor that promise made in 1988? Perhaps that promise was foolishly given, but it was given, and the council should accept the responsibility for that action.
The voters should decide if the city’s charter should be changed in accordance with the commission’s recommendations. The voters decided they wanted district elections. Perhaps a majority of voters also believes the time is past due to expand the number of districts from eight to 10. Perhaps the voters will decide that the nonpartisan nature of electing the mayor and council members will be protected by creating a redistricting commission to redraw council districts. The League of Women Voters trusts the electorate. We would like to see the City Council exhibit trust in the voters also.
The City Council did vote to reconsider the 13 recommendations later this summer. Time grows short to meet that commitment.
ALICE B. McCAULEY
President
League of Women Voters of San Diego
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