12 22-0583 Subject: Good Governance Charter Reform Ballot Measure
From: Councilmember Kalb
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution On The City Council's Own Motion Submitting To The Voters For The November 8, 2022, General Municipal Election A Government Reform Measure That Would Amend The City Charter To, Among Other Things:
1) Establish Term Limits For Councilmembers;
2) Require A Minimum Of Two Council Hearings Before Certain Council Proposed Ballot Measures Are Approved For Placement On The Ballot;
3) Count Councilmember Abstentions And Absences As A No Vote On Council Motions, Resolutions And Ordinances For Purposes Of Determining Whether Mayor Has Authority To Cast A Tie-Breaking Vote;
4) Change The Formula For The Public Ethics Commission To Set Councilmember Salaries And Authorizing The Public Ethics Commission To Set The Salaries Of The City Auditor And City Attorney;
5) Grant Council Authority To Terminate City Administrator For Cause;
6) Add And Clarify Duties Of And Provide Minimum Staffing For The City Auditor; And Directing The City Clerk To Fix The Date For Submission Of Arguments And Provide For Notice And Publication, And Take Any And All Actions Necessary Under Law To Prepare For And Conduct The November 8, 2022, General Municipal Election
Mr. Kalb, Where is the good governance in proposing such a profound change to Oakland Strong Mayor government without establishing a blue ribbon committee to study the implications? You are ramming this through at the 11th hour without the slightest concern for public participation in their government. Voters will think that these changes have been fully vetted and it is irresponsible of you not to have done this. This should be clearly labeled as a change to the Strong Mayor government. Council salaries are generous when you add your car allowances health & retirement benefits and other perks including staff. You are demonstrating what HORRIBLE GOVERNMENT looks like.
Mr. Kalb, Where is the good governance in proposing such a profound change to Oakland Strong Mayor government without establishing a blue ribbon committee to study the implications? You are ramming this through at the 11th hour without the slightest concern for public participation in their government. Voters will think that these changes have been fully vetted and it is irresponsible of you not to have done this. This should be clearly labeled as a change to the Strong Mayor government. Council salaries are generous when you add your car allowances health & retirement benefits and other perks including staff. You are demonstrating what HORRIBLE GOVERNMENT looks like.