Central OC Dems Clarify Ballot Measures in Tustin and Orange

That sounds reasonable, right?

The problem is that it is a naked power grab by current Republican city council members to protect their seats and stay in power longer. It’s a thumb on the scales of justice.

Democratic city council members Beckie Gomez and Letitia Clark explained the problem in a mutual statement:

“It would also allow for current officials in elected office to serve for a longer period of time. Our term limits are simple. A member of the City Council cannot serve more than two consecutive four-year terms in office. That’s the same term limit that we put on the president and the governor. If a person wants to serve again, they can — as long as they wait out of office.”

Only two council members in city history have been successful in returning to office after the “sit out” period, proving the current ordinance works and does not favor incumbency.

Republican double-speak is presenting this as a term-limits proposition that will close career politician loopholes. In fact, its aim is to achieve the opposite. Keep power with the people, not with power-hungry politicians.

Vote NO on Measure II in Tustin.

Seriously, friends, why would anyone who cares about kids vote no?

Vote YES on Measure J in Tustin.

Measure Z in Orange would create a one-half percent (0.5%) transactions and use tax (sales tax) to 8.25%, still lower than several cities in Orange County. This tax is necessary to maintain current fire and police staff levels and response times, library, park, senior center and other general government services. Mayor Slater and city staff have been transparent in the needs and have conducted numerous town halls to inform residents of the need and to solicit comments and input.

The city is in this situation because of poor decisions by the former mayor and former city councils, as well as inflation and unfunded mandates. Orange finally has new city staff leaders who are skilled and work well with the community. If this tax doesn’t pass, it is feared the city will lose those leaders, as well as firefighters and police officers to cities with more competitive salaries, decreasing city services and contributing to longer safety response times.

Vote YES on Measure Z in Orange.

Measure G improves local community college facilities in the Rancho Santiago Community College District. It will repair aging facilities, update classrooms, expand facilities for important programs such as nursing and skilled trades, update the 50-year-old fire training facility and add Veterans Resource Centers to both Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College among other facility improvements such as plumbing, electrical, asbestos abatement, and lead paint removal. Measure G would authorize bonds that would levy $25 per $10,000 assessed value via property taxes. Our local public colleges provide affordable educational opportunities for those seeking a 4-year degree, adult enrichment courses and training for skilled trades such as fire, police, and construction. It is an investment in our youth, our workforce, and our local economy.

Vote YES on Measure G.

Make your plan to vote. Your vote matters. Help others make their plan to vote. No one can sit this one out.

We are repeating the notices below for canvassing and phone banking for our local races. We hope you will contact them to see how you can help in whatever way works best for you. And if you’d rather volunteer for another campaign — after all, OC victories are the key to a House majority, and we have some very competitive races in our neighboring districts — visit Mobilize for campaign events and opportunities this weekend. They have volunteer opportunities in everything from local to national races.

Because you know what Yogi Berra said, right? It ain’t over till it’s over.