2,980 / 41.15% Yes votes ...... 4,261 / 58.85% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

YES
NO

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote on this measure means:

A yes vote is advisory only.

A NO vote on this measure means:

A no vote is advisory only

The City Council, by majority vote, approved holding an advisory election to ascertain whether the City Council should place before the voters a charter city proposal that would do the following: (1) create a budget reserve to be used only for emergencies and not employee salaries or related benefits; (2) require voter approval of future capital projects over $15 million; (3) increase the City Council from five to seven members; (4) establish an open recruitment process for top city management positions; (5) schedule performance audits of all city departments; and (6) require voter approval for amendments to the city charter.

As this ballot measure is an advisory measure, the results of this measure will not change existing law.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Steven T. Mattas

City Attorney

An important element of a Charter City is the local control that a charter gives to voters. State politicians lose control and local voters are given more say in the way their city government operates.

You are being asked to vote to move forward with a charter giving Milpitas voters more say in how their government runs and help fix some problems in Milpitas. Think back to the building of the new city hall. It's cited year after year by residents as the worst example of government spending. City Hall started out at $24 million and escalated to over $39 million. Milpitas' charter would require voter approval before major projects are built.

Also, under a previous City Manager, we had problems with senior staff skipping open recruitment processes, leaving people wondering whether the most qualified people were appointed to high level positions. A charter could require formal recruitment processes for all senior staff appointments. No more sweetheart deals. And this charter would require a "rainy day" budget reserve to be used only in dire emergencies and not for salaries. Only voters could change this critical policy.

Some politicians don't want to give voters more control, saying this is political. They're wrong. This is about trusting Milpitas voters. Simply put, a charter city puts you, the voters in charge. The state politicians lose power and the local voters can determine much of its own fate. Vote yes on Measure I.

/s/ Robert Livengood

Milpitas City Councilman

Milpitas City Councilman

Milpitas Planning Commissioner

Milpitas Planning Commissioner

City hall was built with redevelopment money, not general operating funds. The budget was $30 million and Livengood voted against rebuilding it for half the cost 10 years earlier. They say you can vote on projects over $15 million. What's left to build in Milpitas? Deception and lies continue.

Councilmembers Livengood and Gomez say no more "sweetheart deals", but they gave one to the acting city manager. While serving as city manager, he retired as police chief, then continued receiving an extra 10% in pay with their blessing; $350,000 with benefits. They did not support open recruitment and no charter will change this.

They say you will be in charge, but they will write the charter and we will pay the price. The residents of San Jose have a Charter! Look at the mess they are in.

Milpitas will need to cut services over the next 5 years by $30 million. Over 83% of the budget goes to city employee salaries and benefits. The only place to cut is programs for us. Accountability, fiscal responsibility is needed, not a charter by politicians for politicians!

NO on Measure I!

/s/ Jose S. Esteves

Mayor, City of Milpitas

Former Charter City Commission Member

Milpitas Vice Mayor, former

CAC Commissioner

Former Charter City Commission member

After 17 months of review and input from the community, a citizen's task force said NO to a charter. There is still no compelling reason to change.

Now we are being asked to give an advisory vote costing us $108,000. The vote by Councilmembers Giordano, Gomez and Livengood to place this on the ballot was held only 10 days before the deadline. General Law provides us with the protection of state law. A charter is inflexible and transfers power to politicians.

Why the rush? Why now during a low voter turnout election instead of November for less money? Why the deception?

What are the advantages/disadvantages? They claim this is your city but don't say who will write a charter.

Measure I is only advisory. The council can write their own charter and put more power in their hands not yours. Councilmembers receive retirement benefits for life and subsidized medical coverage after 5 years. Will they overturn the Hillside Ordinance, will they rewrite term limits? Services are being cut but they want to add additional members which will increase the costs to taxpayers. Who needs more?

Lots of questions and no answers! For 52 years, Milpitas has grown and thrived as a General Law city. For 35 years, Livengood has been a part of this process but now says it is flawed. Where is the accountability, where is fiscal responsibility?

Vote NO on expanding city council powers! Vote NO on Measure I!

/s/ Robert F. McGuire

Open Space Director - Retired

Former Mayor City of Milpitas

Charter City Task Force

Cofounder Save Our Milpitas Hills

Milpitas City Councilmember

Reading the impartial analysis of "Measure I", you'll see that this is an advisory measure. Councilmembers Gomez, Giordano and Livengood put this measure on the ballot because they want to hear your opinion. Ask yourself; why are Mayor Esteves and Councilwoman Polanski fighting so hard against hearing what you have to say? Are they afraid to hear your opinion?

Milpitas is the largest city in Santa Clara County that is NOT a charter city. Over 86% of Santa Clara County residents live in a charter governed city. Milpitas should enjoy the same benefits that 86% of our neighbors receive.

Don't be fooled by the opponents of "Measure I". The city charter will not extend term limits for politicians or overturn the hillside ordinance. They're just trying to scare you. And they are not telling you the full story. A charter can only be approved or changed by you, the voters. Local politicians don't gain power with a charter. You do. And a charter can save taxpayer dollars.

Take power away from the legislature and put it in your own hands. Vote for local control.

Vote Yes on "Measure I".

/s/ Armando Gomez

Milpitas City Councilmember

Milpitas Councilmember

Past Mayor, 1996-2002

Milpitas Councilmember