San Diego Rules Committee Meeting Summary – June 13, 2018

The Rules Committee met on June 13, 2018, to consider multiple ballot measure proposals for the November 2018 election, primarily focusing on reforms to San Diego Unified School District board elections, city charter amendments, and other governance issues. The meeting included public testimony, presentations from proponents, and committee discussions. Key outcomes included advancing one school board election reform proposal to a second discussion in July, rejecting another, and directing the city attorney to draft a November-only elections measure for further review. Several other proposals were discussed but not moved forward.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the committee record of actions from May 16, 2018, by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non‑agenda public comment: Two speakers addressed the committee on separate topics. The first speaker urged the committee to consider a continuance process to allow more time for public input on high‑volume items. The second speaker, Jean Brown representing the League of Women Voters, expressed concern that two stadium ballot propositions (for the November ballot) would imply those were the only development options, and urged placing a third option before voters to clarify the city's land‑use responsibilities under the general plan.
• School board election proposals (sub‑items B, C, F, H, M, N, W): Numerous residents and community leaders spoke in favor of various reform proposals. Speakers such as Francine Maxwell, Lorraine Burley, John Stump, Jeff Bennett, and others advocated for district‑only elections, term limits (typically two four‑year terms), independent redistricting, and increased board membership. Some speakers criticized the school district's current process as resistant to change, citing low public confidence and declining enrollment. A few speakers opposed certain proposals, arguing that more study was needed or that the proposals did not address broader educational needs.
• Item Y (charter modernization for vacancy savings): A representative from the Mayor’s office explained the proposal to streamline hiring and return vacancy savings to departments. Public testimony included support from labor unions (POA and MEA) via letters; no opposition was voiced.
• Sub‑item V (November‑only elections): Andrea Guerrero (representing several organizations) spoke against ranked‑choice voting, citing potential voter confusion and suppression, but supported a November‑only system with a top‑two or similar method. Others expressed general support for increasing voter participation.
• Sub‑item L (city auditor appointment): John Stump and the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) supported removing mayoral influence from auditor appointments, arguing the audit committee should appoint and council confirm.
• Sub‑item D (ethics reform): Robert Odley spoke in favor of his ethics reform proposal, noting similar successful measures in Los Angeles and support from the Grand Jury, League of Women Voters, and Chamber of Commerce.
• Sub‑item I (repeal of the People’s Ordinance): Proponents argued the current ordinance is outdated, costs millions annually for temporary housing, and hinders climate goals; an opponent cited equal‑protection concerns.
• Sub‑item Q (budgeting standards for zoological exhibits): John Stump and Renee Smith urged the committee to enforce existing lease requirements for budget and diversity reports from the zoo operator.
• Sub‑item P (veterans recognition and preference): Bob Moltz requested a charter amendment for veterans preference; the city attorney noted that much could be achieved through municipal code changes without a ballot measure.

Discussion Items

• School board election reform proposals (sub‑items B, C, F, H, M, N, W): The committee grouped these under item 1 (ballot measure proposals). Presentations included:
  • Sub‑item B (Sally Smith): Proposed district‑only elections, term limits, and increased board size, with independent redistricting.
  • Sub‑item C (Lorraine Burley): Focused on term limits (two four‑year terms) and sub‑district only elections, citing survey results showing 81% support for term limits.
  • Sub‑item F (Brett Kazlovka / Community Voices for Education): Advocated for term limits, district‑only elections, and a nine‑member board, arguing the school district has resisted change.
  • Sub‑item H (Jeff Bennett): Proposed independent redistricting based on school clusters.
  • Sub‑item M (John Stump): Called for equal dignity with city council—nine district‑only seats and term limits.
  • Sub‑item N (John Stump): Proposed breaking the unified district into five neighborhood elementary districts and a high school/community college district.
  • Sub‑item W (Tamra Hurley): Similar to Smith’s proposal but emphasized phased implementation.
• Item Y (charter modernization – vacancy savings): Presented by councilmember co‑sponsors. The goal is to speed hiring and fill vacancies by returning savings to departments. The city attorney noted several charter sections would need amendment.
• Sub‑item V (November‑only elections): Councilmembers Kate and Kirser presented two options: ranked‑choice voting or a top‑two runoff in November. Public comment raised concerns about voter confusion with ranked‑choice; proponents argued it could increase participation.
• Sub‑item L (audit committee and city auditor): The IBA and John Stump supported removing mayoral appointment of the auditor and having the audit committee appoint instead, to strengthen council oversight.
• Sub‑item D (ethics reform): Covered salary adjustments for elected officials and other ethics rules.
• Sub‑item I (repeal of People’s Ordinance): Discussed the impact on waste collection fees and city sustainability goals.
• Sub‑item O (trash collection): Briefly mentioned but not voted on.
• Sub‑item Q (zoological exhibits budgeting): Addressed lack of budget transparency from zoo operator.
• Sub‑item P (veterans preference): Committee members expressed strong interest and committed to working with the city attorney on municipal code changes.

Key Outcomes

• School board reform – sub‑item T (Sharon Whitehurst‑Payne): Motion by Councilmember Bree, seconded by Councilmember Cole, to advance to the July 11th rules committee for second discussion. Passed 3‑2 (Bree, Ward, Cole in favor; Kirser, Kate opposed).
• School board reform – sub‑item F (Brett Kazlovka): Motion by Councilmember Kate, seconded by Councilmember Kirser, to advance. Failed 2‑3 (Kate, Kirser in favor; others opposed).
• November‑only elections (sub‑item V): A motion was made (apparently by Councilmember Kate) to direct the city attorney to draft a ballot measure for the July 11th meeting, with options including ranked‑choice voting or a top‑two system. The motion was supported and the city attorney agreed to bring back draft language for committee discussion. No formal vote recorded in the transcript, but the committee proceeded on that basis.
• All other proposals (sub‑items B, C, H, M, N, W, Y, L, D, I, O, Q, P): No motions were made to advance these to the July meeting or to the ballot. Several committee members expressed interest in further study or alternative actions (e.g., sending to other committees, pursuing municipal code changes).
• Next meeting: The next Rules Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.