TUSTIN : City to Weigh Changes to Dates of Elections

Options for changing the date of the next municipal election are scheduled for discussion when the City Council meets at 7 p.m. tonight.

Councilman Jeffery M. Thomas has suggested that the next city election, slated for April 9, 1996, be held two weeks earlier to coincide with the statewide primary on March 26, 1996.

An analysis by Chief Deputy City Clerk Valerie Crabill indicates that a consolidated election such as this could increase voter turnout and reduce costs to the city. Disadvantages of a consolidated election, according to Crabill, include the loss of visibility for Tustin issues and candidates, and increased campaign costs for City Council candidates.

Other options for consolidated election dates are Nov. 7, 1995, which would shorten current council terms by five months, and Nov. 5, 1996, which would extend terms by seven months.

If the city chooses to stick to the current system and hold the election April 9, 1996, it would have no effect on council term lengths. A separate election could also be held March 4, 1997, which would extend current council terms by 11 months.

Also on the council agenda Monday is a proposed law that would prohibit the solicitation of motor vehicle occupants. This traffic safety measure is aimed at persons who try to sell goods or services to motorists or ask them for money.

The proposed law is modeled after an ordinance enacted by Agoura Hills.