LWV League of Women Voters of California
Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
Measure V
Increase in utility user tax and implementation of federal mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act
City of Whittier
Advisory Vote Only

10,115 / 57.00% Yes votes ...... 7,631 / 43.00% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Full Text

Should the City give priority to funding these services and programs: increasing literacy by building a new library with the state paying two-thirds of the cost; strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness by constructing a new police facility and filling vacant public safety positions; improving streets, access to city facilities for seniors and people with disabilities, after-school programs and other vital city services; and maintaining adequate reserves to address catastrophic events?

Impartial Analysis from Richard D. Jones, City Attorney
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This measure is ADVISORY ONLY. The measure will provide voter input to the Whittier City Council regarding citizens' priorities in spending the City's general fund revenue from all sources. The measure seeks to determine Whittier citizens' support for prioritizing the following general fund programs and services, provided general funds are available:

  • Building a new library to increase literacy for children and adults, with the state paying two-thirds of the cost
  • Strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness by constructing a new police facility and filling vacant public safety positions
  • Improving streets, access to city facilities for seniors and disabled persons, afterschool programs, and other vital city services
  • Maintaining adequate reserves to address catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and terrorist attacks

A "yes" vote on this measure indicates that the voter supports the City Council giving priority to these programs, projects and services. Because the City Council may not lawfully delegate its authority to allocate general funds, a yes vote by a majority of citizens on this measure will not control the legislative authority of the City Council in budgeting and authorizing expenditure of general fund revenues. The Council has sought input from the voters to ensure that its direction and goals for the City are supported by the public and consistent with the citizenry's goals. The opinions expressed through this vote are important to the legislative process, but are not legally controlling on the City Council's use of the City's general fund.

A "no" vote on this measure would indicate that the voter does not support placing a priority on the identified programs, projects and services. A no vote does not guarantee that general funds will not be spent in the future on some or all of the programs, services and projects identified in the measure.

  
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Arguments For Measure V
Measure V gives citizens increased oversight of City spending priorities. It is an advisory measure, NOT A TAX. Measure V tells the City Council how we, as Whittier voters and taxpayers, want any new money from the utility users tax (Measure W) to be spent.

Making Whittier Safer: Public safety is the most basic and essential responsibility of city government. Measure V tells the City Council that our priorities include:

  • Filling vacant public safety positions.
  • Replacing our inadequate police facility, which was built 47 years ago for 20 officers. Our police force now has 92 officers, plus support staff, protecting Whittier.
  • Creating an emergency operations center that can serve our needs in the event of an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other catastrophe.

Using State Library Money to Improve Literacy: Whittier can receive 2/3rds in State matching funds to replace our aging library. This would allow us to:
  • Expand programs to fight illiteracy, by teaching children and adults to read and write.
  • Create a Homework Center for students, providing a safe place to study and learn.
  • Increase access to programs and services for seniors and the disabled.
  • Enlarge the area for children's reading programs.

Strengthening Vital Services: Maintaining our rich heritage as a vibrant community and our "Whittier Way of Life" which includes a variety of economic, social, cultural and recreational opportunities. Our priorities include:
  • Promoting a strong local business economy.
  • Increasing maintenance of city streets and parks.
  • Improving access to city facilities for seniors and disabled.
  • Creating more after-school education and recreation programs.

Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to let our elected officials know how we want our hard-earned tax dollars spent.

Make your voice heard. Vote Yes On Measure V.

MARILYN SCHIRMER
Whittier City Commissioner

SAM REED
President, Whittier Police Officers Association

TOM SAWYER
Retired Accountant and Former Mayor

JERRY PERISHO
Youth Advocate/Banker

SIL GONZALES
President Whittier New Car Dealers Association

(No arguments against Measure V were submitted)

Full Text of Measure V
This is an advisory measure asking Whittier voters' preference in funding city services.

Should the City allocate funds to the following priority services, programs and facilities, providing, of course, that necessary funds are available?

  • Increasing literacy for children and adults by building a new library with the state paying two-thirds of the cost

  • Strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness by constructing a new police facility and filling vacant public safety positions

  • Improving streets, access to city facilities for seniors and people with disabilities, after-school programs, and other vital city services

  • Maintaining adequate reserves to address catastrophic events, such as earthquakes or terrorist attacks

This advisory measure is not intended to limit the authority of the City Council to spend general fund revenues on general municipal services.

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Created: December 6, 2002 03:14 PST
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