Advocacy Updates
Potential Changes to City Charter Alter Mayoral Role, Vacancies, Elections
The Chamber recently convened its Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) for a virtual discussion about recommendations to update the City’s Charter. During the meeting, discussion focused on six suggested changes, the first of which allows the Mayor of Riverside to have a vote and eliminates the Mayor’s veto and tie-breaking vote. Recommendations will go to the Riverside City Council for review and could ultimately be placed on the ballot for voter approval. The City’s Charter Review Committee, led by Chair Jack Clarke, met several times over the past year to review the City’s Charter and consider recommended amendments. Riverside is the only charter city in California where the Mayor’s formal power only lies in veto and tie-breaking votes. The Charter Review Committee determined that providing the Mayor with a vote – the only city-wide elected official without a vote – would be an appropriate measure to ensure they have a formal voice on all actions of the City Council. By adding the Mayor’s vote, this action would also increase the number of votes required to pass most measures. The second recommendation would require the City Council to appoint a replacement to fill a vacancy in elected office with less than one year left on the term, and hold a special election to fill the position if there is more than one year left on the term. A special run-off election will also be required if no one candidate receives a majority of votes to fill a vacant seat. Lastly, this measure prohibits an appointed official to be referenced as an incumbent or member of the City Council during a future election for that same seat. Third, the Committee would be required to meet every four years and recommend any Charter amendment before being placed on the ballot by City Council. The fourth recommendation consolidates Mayoral and City Council races to the same day as statewide elections, as is required by law. The fifth would enact administrative clean-ups and word changes. Lastly, the City Council would be required to publish an annual report of material claims of fraud, waste, abuse and require an investigation into the claims. The Chamber will continue to track the progress of these recommendations and consider potential formal positions if these recommendations are put to the voters. For more information, contact Andrew Sall at asall@riverside-chamber.com or 951-683-7100 Ext. 220. |
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