[Editor’s Note: U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Culver City/Crenshaw District, seeking her fourth term in next month’s election, will be the featured speaker at tonight’s 7 o’clock meeting of the Culver City Democratic Club in the Rotunda Room of the Vets Auditorium.]
At last month’s general meeting of the Culver City Democratic Club, we were fortunate to have a presentation of the four ballot measures by our two Culver City Council members, Meghan Sahli-Wells and Thomas Small.
We will vote on them Nov. 8.
So here is the lowdown.
No. 1
First, the Clean Water Parcel Tax, Measure CW, will levy a $99 per single family residential parcel tax, $ 69 annually per multi-family residential dwelling unit or $1,096 annually per acre of land or portion for non-residential land. This means that both residential and commercial lands will be taxed to reduce and help prevent water pollution in Ballona Creek. Culver City has 4 percent responsibility of the water shed that drains into Marina del Rey Harbor, Santa Monica Bay and eventually the ocean.
Measure CW is expected to generate $ 2 million per year, if approved and would make its first appearance on the tax statements in the fall of 2017.
Our club members cast a total of 24 votes to make a recommendation to vote Yes. It passed the 60 percent threshold of 16 votes.
No. 2
City Measure CA deals with the appointment, disciplining and termination of the police chief and fire chief, shifting supervision from the City Council to the city manager.
Before 2006, the City operated with all department heads reporting to the City Council who also hired and fired them.
After 2006, following a revision in the form of city government, the city hired its first city manager. He has been in charge of all department heads except for the city attorney, police chief and fire chief.
Those on the Council who support Measure CA contend that it would be more appropriate for the city manager to supervise the two chiefs since the manager works fulltime and is familiar with the day to day business of those departments.
On the contrary, those on the Council who oppose this measure contend that retaining that power in the hands of the Council had helped deal with problematic chiefs in the past.
Council members reside in our Community. They reflect our values.
As such, they would represent our views better. Our club members cast 20 votes to recommend “vote no.” There were two abstentions.
No. 3
City Measure CB regards resignation of a Council member. He/she would have to wait two years before running for the Council again. Our club members cast a unanimous 23 “yes” votes.
No. 4
City Measure CD would make it flexible not to have meetings during the holidays. Our club members cast 24 “yes” votes with one abstention.
Find us at www.MeetUp.com/CulverCityDemocratic Club and as Culver City Democratic Club on Facebook.com
Dr. Ghi may be contacted at President@CulverCityDemocraticClub.com