The following is the opinion of the group and is not necessarily that of the OB Rag
From Democratic Socialists of America – San Diego
On San Diego County Measure A
This measure is a package of proposed reforms to the governing charter of the county of San Diego. Reform packages can be uniquely opaque to voters because substantive policy changes are delivered to voters alongside procedural and bureaucratic adjustments. For instance, this measure proposes significant structural changes alongside capitalizing defined words for syntactical consistency—hardly a proposal most voters can be expected to parse. On balance, the procedural and substantive changes proposed move the County in a positive direction towards increased transparency and an empowered public.
There are two key provisions we think are worth noting. First, this measure would change the term limits for the board of supervisors, increasing the maximum number of terms a supervisor can serve from two to three. While a proposal to increase term limits might feel like a power grab, it really returns power to the electorate. Elections are term limits, and effective ones at that, so allowing an elected official to run for a third term gives voters more power over their own representation, allowing us to continue choosing effective leadership beyond arbitrary timelines.
Second, this measure would empower the Board of Supervisors to review top appointments at the County, reclaiming some authority from the Chief Administrative Officer who executes the business of the County. Giving hiring and firing power for additional, highly impactful positions to elected representatives, instead of resting solely with the CAO, should establish more accountability to the public for those roles.
These two significant pillars are accompanied by the formation of an ethics commission, new requirements for financial disclosure, and rule clarifications. In an effort not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good, we recommend a Yes vote on Measure A.
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