My article With Senate Bill 7, California Unions Advance Plot to Neuter City Charters was posted on www.UnionWatch.org on February 28, 2013.
More than 30 California cities are likely to defy top union officials by asking their citizens in 2014 to vote on enacting a “home rule” charter for local control. Cities want to free their purely municipal affairs from costly union-backed state mandates…
It includes links to recent news stories about cities in California that are considering bringing a proposed charter before voters for approval in 2014:
Murrieta
A Former Mayor of a Southern California City Provides an Intellectual Argument for City Charters and Local Government Authority - www.LaborIssuesSolutions.com - February 19, 2013 (a commentary on Reasons to Consider Becoming a Charter City - San Diego Union-Tribune - February 19, 2013).
Costa Mesa
Outsourcing Back in for Costa Mesa – Orange County Register (editorial) – February 6, 2013
…passage of Measure V would have made the privatization task easier. But the union outspent Measure V proponents by more than seven-to-one. However, Mr. [Councilman Jim] Righeimer said he hopes a new charter measure will be put on the June 2014 ballot…Within 60 days the council will hold a study session on how to set up the independent committee for the new charter measure.
Stanford Professor Warns Costa Mesa about Pension Debt – Orange County Register – February 27, 2013 and City’s Pension Outlook Called ‘Stark’ - Newport Beach/Costa Mesa Daily Pilot – February 27, 2013. (With the failure of the Measure V charter in November 2012, Costa Mesa is now in the union paradigm with a proposed solution to raise taxes.)
Redding
Unions Rise to Defense of “Prevailing Wage” Rates Jeopardizing Hotel Project in Redding – www.LaborIssuesSolutions.com - February 15, 2013 and Redding Needs a Charter to End Nonsense Definition of Private Hotel as a “Public Works” Project - www.LaborIssuesSolutions.com - January 31, 2013.
Escondido
Escondido Mayor Touts Urban Renewal, Embracing Diversity – San Diego Union-Tribune – February 20, 2013
Delivering his annual State of the City address to nearly 300 residents and business leaders gathered at the city’s arts center… [Mayor Sam] Abed said he also wants the city to take another shot at becoming a charter city, which would increase Escondido’s independence from Sacramento and reduce the cost of some city construction projects.
Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley: City to Explore Becoming Charter City - Riverside Press-Enterprise – February 26, 2013
The Moreno Valley City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 26, unanimously approved establishing a subcommittee that would explore becoming a charter city and appointing two council members to it.
Moreno Valley: Charter City Committee Could Be Created - Riverside Press-Enterprise - February 25, 2013
The Moreno Valley City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 26, is to follow through on plans to determine whether to become a charter city. The council is set to vote on whether to establish a charter exploratory subcommittee and appoint two council members to it.
Buellton
Buellton Continues “Home Rule’ Talk - Santa Ynez Valley News - February 7, 2013
The idea of changing Buellton to a “home-rule” city is on hold again after City Council members decided to set up a workshop for more discussion about a draft plan…City Manager John Kunkel said the committee wants voters to be comfortable with the measure and, if the council wants to have a dialogue with unions, there is no rush.
Charting Best Path to Buellton’s Future - Santa Ynez Valley News (editorial) – February 7, 2013
…being a charter city does mean that local elected officials and voters can make more of their own decisions, and are therefore better able to tailor policy to fit specific local needs…Being a charter city also lets local government off the hook for paying a prevailing wage. Labor unions don’t like that possibility…
Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande Considering City Charter - www.CalCoastNews.com - January 28, 2013
The Arroyo Grande City Council has created a committee to explore the idea of becoming a charter city in order to cut costs…Many union members oppose city charters because they allow exemptions from state-mandated prevailing wage agreements. City staff says adopting a charter could save Arroyo Grande $50,000 to $300,000 annually.
Study Under Way to Find Out if Arroyo Grande Should Try to Become a Charter City – San Luis Obispo Tribune - January 27, 2013
A committee has been convened to study whether Arroyo Grande should try to become a charter city, a move that officials say could save money and give it more local control. The idea, however, faces stiff opposition from local union members…
