HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.2 Let Dublin Decide Initiative Oppositionor
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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
July 15, 2014
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Mayor Sbranti and Councilmember Gupta
CITY CLERK
File # 630 -30
Subcommittee Presentation Regarding Written Opposition to the "Let Dublin
Decide Initiative"
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On June 3, 2014, the City Council considered two competing citizen initiatives that would amend
the City's General Plan, the "Dublin Open Space Initiative of 2014" and the "Let Dublin Decide
Initiative." As it is authorized to do under the Elections Code, the City Council adopted the
"Dublin Open Space Initiative of 2014" and also adopted a resolution placing the "Let Dublin
Decide Initiative" on the ballot. At that meeting, the City Council authorized Mayor Sbranti and
Councilmember Gupta to consider the development of appropriate ballot language in opposition
to the "Let Dublin Decide Initiative." Mayor Sbranti and Councilmember Gupta are returning to
the City Council to make a presentation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
1101
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive presentation from Mayor Sbranti and Councilmember Gupta.
DESCRIPTION:
At the June 3, 2014 meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 88 -14, ordering
submission of the "Let Dublin Decide Initiative" to the voters at the November 4, 2014 general
municipal election. At that meeting, the City Council authorized Mayor Sbranti and
Councilmember Gupta to consider the development of appropriate ballot language in opposition
to the measure.
After an initiative measure has qualified for inclusion on the ballot and a City Council has called
an election, certain election materials are prepared for mailing to voters with the sample ballot.
The Elections Code sets forth various rules governing the preparation of ballot arguments.
Generally, proponents of an initiative measure or other interested parties may submit written
arguments of up to three hundred (300) words in favor of the measure. Other interested parties,
including the City Council, can submit arguments of the same length against the measure.
(Elections Code § 9315.) In addition, each side is permitted to prepare rebuttal arguments.
Page 1 of 2 ITEM NO. 7.2
If more than one argument against the measure is submitted, the elections official has authority
to select one of the arguments for printing and distribution to the voters. The city elections
official must give preference and priority to the following bodies, in this order:
1. The legislative body, or member(s) of the legislative body authorized by that body.
2. The individual voter, or bona fide associations of citizens, or a combination of voters and
associations, who are the bona fide sponsors or proponents of the measure.
3. Bona fide associations of citizens.
4. Individual voters who are eligible to vote on the measure.
(Elections Code § 9287.)
Arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk within the deadlines specified in the Elections
Code. The City Clerk is authorized to set the final date for submission of arguments, within
certain parameters. (Elections Code § 938). In adopting Resolution No. 88 -14, the City Council
set forth an August 14, 2014, 5:00 p.m. deadline for submission of arguments to the Clerk. In
addition, Resolution 88 -14 authorized the City Council, to delegate by motion, a member or
members of the City Council to draft arguments against the measure and return to the City
Council for authorization to sign the argument.
Mayor Sbranti and Councilmember Gupta are now returning to City Council to make a verbal
presentation regarding their efforts following the June 3, 2014 City Council meeting.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS /PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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