San Ramon City Council Agenda For July 22, 2008

The San Ramon City Council Agenda for July 22, 2008 is ready for public viewing.

There is one particular item in which this may be the last time to add public testimony input, and that is about extending the Mayor's Term in office. See the following information from the City Council Agenda item.

8.13 Resolution No. 2008-153 – Submitting a Charter Amendment to the Voters at the General Election on November 4, 2008 Providing for the Change of the Mayor’s Term if the General Municipal Election Date is Held on the Date of the Statewide General Election and Repealing Resolution No. 2008-81. Staff Report

Note: There are certain pros and cons to extending the term of the San Ramon Mayor. Take a look, and decide for yourself.

Here's where the rubber meets the road in what is potentially being proposed to the voters for them to vote for or against at the next general election. Note: The voters are not really voting for or against extending the term but both. Very, very clever on the draft wording.

NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS

Section 1

The City Council of the City of San Ramon hereby calls a municipal election on November 4 2008 for submitting a proposed charter amendment providing for an adjustment of the Mayor's term of office to make it consistent with the change in date of the general municipal election.

Section 2

The City Council of the City of San Ramon hereby requests that the wording of the proposed charter amendment of the City of San Ramon Charter be placed on the actual ballot of the November 4 2008 election and shall read as follows:

MEASURE

Shall the following be added to Article III of the City of San Ramon Charter:
Notwithstanding any of the above if the general municipal election date is changed to the date of the statewide general election the unexpired term of an incumbent Mayor shall be extended by one year or reduced by one year. If the term is extended that individual may serve a total of nine years as Mayor.

Here is the keywording that is being proposed that is very problematic. The quote is "shall be extended by one year or reduced by one year." Which is it going to be? If you are on the City Council, and you like the Mayor, then the City Council can extend the term, or if you are on the City Council, and you don't like the Mayor, then the City Council can shorten it. Very interesting indeed.

San Ramon Tribune Editor