55C - TERM LIMITS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Febrnary 5, 2008 Special Municipal Election August 6, 2007 Page 2 alternatives for establishing term limits for the Office of Mayor in Santa Ana. The Committee also looked at possible revisions to the current limits imposed on the City Council. The Ad Hoc Committee recommends that the Council consider placing a charter amendment on the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary Election changing the Mayor's term of office from a two year term to a four year term, establishing term limits for the Mayor at four consecutive four year terms, and changing City Council term limits to three consecutive terms. The committee is further recommending a second charter amendment which would change board and commission term limits to three consecutive four year terms (twelve years). This second measure would only be effective if the measure related to Mayor and Council terms is adopted by the voters. (See exhibit A for a comparison of the proposed amendments with current provisions}. In order to conduct an election for placing the above measures on the ballot, State law requires the City Council to take an action calling for a special municipal election. The subject resolution establishes February S, 2008 as the date for this election. The resolution provides for the submission of the two amendments and includes the text and ballot titles for the two proposals to be adopted by the voters. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Elections Code, the City Council is required to formally request consolidation of the City's special election with the Presidential Primary election. The subject resolution fulfills this requirement by requesting that the Board of Supervisors of Orange County consolidate the special municipal election of February 5, 2008 and authorizes the Board of Supervisors to canvass the election returns. California State Elections Code §9281 provides that arguments for and against any city measure may be submitted to the qualified voters of the city. The Elections Code specifies that the legislative body, or any member or members of the Legislative body authorized by that body, may submit a written argument for or against the measure. This section further authorizes any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens to write arguments, however, the Elections Code specifies that members of the Council would be given preference and priority, if authorized by the City Council. The subject resolution gives authorization to any member of the Council desiring to submit an argument for or against either or both ballot measures. 55C-2