1999 AGN JAN 05 I14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF COLTON CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL"ERS FROM: HENRY GARCIA, CITY MANAGER RE: DISTRICT ELECTION ISSUES DATE: DECEMBER 28, 1998 Background: Several weeks ago the City Council directed me to provide information to the Council on the City's existing "by district" election system and an explanation of what would be required to alter this system. In my earlier memorandum to you dated December 2, 1998, I provided you with the requested information and explained that any change in the existing election system would require the approval of a ballot measure by the City's voters. I further explained that consideration of a change in the election system involves some very complex issues, requiring the Council's careful review and analysis of several policy questions. This memorandum is the follow-up to December 2, 1998 memorandum. In this memorandum I: 1. Briefly revisit the City's existing "by district" election system; 2. Further describe the legal options available to alter the existing system; 3. Provide you with some facts concerning the City's registered voters; and 4. Identify issues to consider with respect to how the existing system and other alternatives might impact elections, recall efforts and other general operations of the city. I recommend that the Council carefully review this information and come prepared to discuss your individual questions and policy considerations at our workshop on January 6, 1999 at 6:30pm. Analysis: Facts The voters of the City of Colton, in accordance with Government Code section 34871, approved a ballot measure establishing a city council comprised of six (6) council member seats and one mayoral seat. The voters decided that the mayor is elected "at - large" from among all the voters in the city. The council members are elected "by Item 4 14