Argument in Favor of Measure __
Measure __ gives voters an opportunity to modernize our city's government by changing the City Clerk and City Treasurer from elected offices to appointed professional positions. Many California cities have successfully transitioned from elected to appointed Clerks and Treasurers to improve professional administration and operations.
Today's City Clerk performs highly technical duties involving municipal code compliance, agenda management, elections, public records, legislative procedures, campaign disclosure, records management, conflict of interest filings, and compliance with numerous state and federal laws. These responsibilities require specialized education, training, and experience.
The City Treasurer is also a highly technical position. Duties include receiving and safekeeping of all money, knowledge of laws governing deposit and securing of public funds and submitting a written report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements, etc. to the City. These responsibilities require a detail-oriented approach and knowledge of local government accounting systems and reporting.
An Elected City Clerk and City Treasurer position only has three requirements: to be at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a city resident. Appointed City Clerk and Treasurer positions will be based on qualifications, professional experience, and demonstrated expertise—not campaign activities. If the Clerk or Treasurer is unable to perform the duties of the office, the City Council or City Manager would have the authority to address performance issues. The appointed positions would be held accountable through performance evaluation rather than elections.
This change promotes continuity of government, professional management, accountability, and efficient public service while allowing the City Council, which is elected by the voters, to oversee the appointment process on behalf of the community. ____________________________ _____________________________ Mayor Gonzales Mayor Pro Tem Clement