League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	San Mateo County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Measure U Charter Amendment County of San Mateo Majority Approval Required Pass: 115,887 / 65.9% Yes votes ...... 60,008 / 34.1% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure U

This measure would: save taxpayer dollars enhance democracy by increasing the voice of voters in electing County Supervisors When a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors vacates his or her office early, it is in the best interests of the community to fill the seat in such a way that will save taxpayer dollars while giving voters a greater voice in who represents them. This measure would make three key changes to the San Mateo County Charter. By mandating an election for any vacancy in the first two years and nine months of a Supervisor's term, voters would now elect a replacement Supervisor rather than have the position potentially filled through appointment. Holding an election to fill a vacancy would encourage debate on County issues and allow voters to choose their Supervisor. When a special election to fill a seat on the Board of Supervisors is called, an election could be completed through all-mail balloting which is not the case today. An all-mail election would save the County money while ensuring a democratic election process. Any County elected official could vacate his or her seat through an irrevocable letter of resignation effective on a future date. This would permit an election to move forward while a Supervisor remains in office to represent his or her constituents until a replacement is seated. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the San Mateo County Charter Review Committee recommend these changes. We encourage you to vote YES on this Measure to protect taxpayer dollars and enhance the voice of the voter. /s/ Richard S. Gordon, President, Board of Supervisors /s/ Mark Church, Member, Board of Supervisors /s/ Jacqueline Jacobberger, President, League of Women Voters of North and Central San Mateo County /s/ Susan Brissenden-Smith, Charter Review Committee Member /s/ Sean Foote, Chairman, Charter Review Committee (No arguments against Measure U were submitted)