Nearly two-thirds of residents voted to extend council members
terms by one year so that elections will occur in even years.
Nearly two-thirds of residents voted to extend council members terms by one year so that elections will occur in even years.
The measure – which was favored by 65.86 percent of voters – moves council members’ campaigns from 2009 to 2010, and those up for re-election in 2011 to 2012. The arrangement – leading by about 2,500 votes – will save the city about $150,000 in election costs by piggy-backing on state and federal ballots, according to historical costs. If the regular four years is enough for a councilmember, the measure allows the body to appoint a replacement for the extra year.
A split council voted to place the term measure on the ballot despite concern that it would unfairly lengthen terms for the current council members. Some council members argued it would save the city money by coinciding with state and national elections, which would allow the city to share the cost of ballots with Sacramento and the national government.
During the council debate last June to place the measure on the ballot, Councilman Perry Woodward called the plan a “ruse.” He and Councilmen Bob Dillon and Craig Gartman voted against placing the measure on the ballot, but the majority preferred to have voters decide – and they did.
Pinheiro floated the idea of shedding a year off terms to get on the even-year cycle, but the idea faded. Dillon argued that voters elected him for four years, not three.
Before the council voted 4-3 June 16 to let voters decide, the three dissenting councilmen contended that the shift would drown out the council race and confuse voters with a busier ballot. They said it would also increase campaigning costs for local candidates who will have to spend more to distinguish themselves in a sea of signs for state, federal and school board candidates. But the pro-even year election side argued that the larger pool is a good thing: Even years mean more diverse voters choosing the council because of the greater turnouts that presidential and gubernatorial races command.
Gartman also pointed to the November 1974 election, when voters approved an amendment to the city charter to shift from even- to odd-year elections in hopes of getting voters to pay more attention to local elections. This year’s measure added another amendment to that charter section that will temporarily supersede a separate section specifying four-year term limits.
