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Proposition P City Charter Adoption City of Santee Majority Approval Required
See Also:
Index of all Propositions |
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Results as of Jan 24 10:40am |
Information shown below: Yes/No Meaning | Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Full Text | |||||
Shall the proposed City Charter of the City of Santee be adopted?
California law recognizes two types of cities--general law cities and charter cities. General law cities may only exercise the powers provided by the general laws of the State. In contrast, charter cities derive their powers directly from the California Constitution and are authorized to control their municipal affairs in unique ways, as provided in their individual city charters and implementing laws. All California cities, whether general law or charter, must comply with Federal and State Constitutional requirements and applicable Federal laws. General law cities must comply with all State laws. Charter cities must comply with all State laws on matters of statewide importance but not on matters related to municipal affairs. The City of Santee is currently a general law city. Adoption of Proposition P will change the City of Santee from a general law city to a charter city. The city charter proposed by Proposition P provides the City with full power to regulate its municipal affairs, subject only to the limitations provided in the city charter, the Constitution of the State and the laws of the United States. The city charter does not propose any change in the existing structure of City government. Any future changes would be made by ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Santee City Council. The proposed charter includes four express limitations on the City's power to regulate municipal affairs. First, the charter prohibits the City from publicly financing local elections. Second, the charter prohibits the City from making gifts of public funds. Third, the charter requires that the City follow the prevailing wage laws of the State regarding public works projects, but allows the City Council to increase or decrease, by a resolution or ordinance adopted by a four-fifths vote, the thresholds which trigger the payment of prevailing wages on public works projects. Fourth, the charter prevents the City Council from adjusting the salary and benefits of the Mayor or the City Council in a manner not otherwise expressly authorized by State law, unless and until it establishes a Salary Setting Advisory Committee and receives a recommendation from that Committee. A charter may only be adopted or amended by a ballot Proposition passed by a majority of the voters of the City voting on the question.
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Local News and Analysis ABC 10 News San Diego
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Arguments For Proposition P | Arguments Against Proposition P | ||
The best future for Santee requires an effective government that represents the values of the community. A city charter offers us that better future. Vote YES on Proposition P for a better Santee.
The Santee City Council recently voted to support becoming a charter city to give Santee more authority over municipal affairs and better protection from intrusive state legislation, including unfunded state mandates. In approving Proposition P, Santee citizens would reinforce their belief that a government based on the concept of local control and home rule is the most effective way to operate. A charter city derives its powers from the State Constitution, not the general laws of the state legislature. If Proposition P is approved, Santee would be able to create laws and regulations that better reflect our community and would not be subject to powerful special interest groups at the state level. By approving Proposition P, the citizens of Santee can reaffirm the City's strong local governance. Charter cities have increased flexibility and discretion in their decision making. This flexibility can translate into a reduction of bureaucratic red tape and improvements in the City's delivery of service. If approved, possible changes in the way the City contracts for goods and services could result in substantial savings, both in time and money. In a world where financial resources are limited, it is important to consider every opportunity to save taxpayer money. Changing to a charter city will not cost residents more money. There are no additional taxes involved with making this change. Santee has a bright future. By voting for Santee to become a charter city, it could be even brighter. On November 4, 2008, we strongly encourage you to VOTE YES on Proposition P.
Santee Business Owner/V.P. Santee Chamber of Commerce/City Resident
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Full Text of Proposition P |
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SANTEE
PREAMBLE We, the people of the City of Santee, intend to preserve in our community the fundamental principles of local self-governance inherent in the doctrine of home-rule. We firmly believe that local government best represents the needs of our community, and that an independent local government will best serve and promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Santee. Therefore, we wish to exercise the express right granted by the Constitution of the State of California and ordain and establish this Charter for the City of Santee.
ARTICLE I
Section 100. Powers of the City
Section 101. Municipal Affairs
Section 102. Incorporation and Succession
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Section 200. Form of Government
FISCAL MATTERS
Section 300. No Public Financing of Election Campaigns
Section 301. No Gifts of Public Funds
Section 302. Prevailing Wages
COMMITTEES
Section 400. Salary Setting Advisory Committee
REVENUE RETENTION
Section 500. Reductions Prohibited
Section 501. Mandates Limited
GENERAL LAWS
Section 600. General Law Powers
INTERPRETATION
Section 700. Construction and Interpretation
Section 701. Severability
AMENDMENT
Section 800. Amendment, Revision or Repeal |