Long Beach voters will have a number of state, county and federal choices to make on the ballot Tuesday, and five local questions to decide.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake in Long Beach:
Measure AAA
What it would do: The measure would amend the city charter to clarify the powers of the elected City Auditor, specifically giving the position power to conduct performance audits as well as financial audits. The amendment would also specify that the auditor have “timely” access to all financial records, contracts, documents, systems, files and other internal records needed to conduct audits.
Argument against: Detractors say the measure would limit the auditor’s access to documents, citing a wording change from “immediate” access to documents, versus “timely” in the proposed language. They have also contended the measure is not needed, as the auditor has already conducted performance audits.
Argument in favor: Those in support say this is needed to codify the auditor’s power, and update ambiguous language that is 100 years old. They say it will strengthen the city auditor’s power to serve as the independent watchdog of local government.
Watch the two sides debate the measure here:
https://www.facebook.com/longbeachpost/videos/2283015411930007/
Measure BBB
What it would do: It would change number of term elected councilmembers and the mayor can serve. The measure would eliminate the write-in option for a third term—and eliminate the possibility that a councilmember or mayor could run for unlimited write-in terms—and institute a third, four-year term for elected officials, and no more.
Argument against: Detractors say this is a sneaky way for elected officials to secure a third term, and possibly more. Recently, opponents have circulated a legal analysis that shows the amendment may allow politicians to seek three terms, in addition to those they’ve already served (the city attorney disagrees with this assertion).
Argument in favor: Those in favor say this measure will limit terms, and bring lengths of service in line with the county, state and city of Los Angeles. Long Beach, they say, is the only major city in the nation that allows candidates to run for unlimited number of terms.
Watch the two sides debate the measure here:
https://www.facebook.com/longbeachpost/videos/1610211682412068/
Measure CCC
What it would do: It would create a seven-member City Ethics Commission that would oversee government ethics, including campaign finance, conflicts of interest and other issues. Two members would be appointed by the mayor and two by the city auditor, and the remaining members selected by those four.
Argument against: Those against say the fact that the mayor and auditor appoint the majority of the commission means it will not be impartial.
Argument in favor: Those in favor say most major cities like Long Beach have ethics commissions, that it will serve as a needed check on local government.
Watch the two sides debate the measure here:
https://www.facebook.com/longbeachpost/videos/252680895376730/
Measure DDD
What it would do: It would establish an independent redistricting commission with sole authority over establishing council districts, either when Census data is released or more frequently if necessary. The commission would comprise one person from each council district, and four others selected by the nine commissioners.
Argument against: Opponents say the measure could lead to gerrymandering, and would not be independent because the members could potentially be screened by the Ethics Commission, which would be “handpicked” by the mayor and auditor.
Argument in favor: Proponents say the measure will ensure that decisions over the boundaries of council districts are made in an impartial way, without influence by elected politicians, which will lead to greater equity and representation on the city’s governing body.
Watch the two sides debate the measure here:
https://www.facebook.com/longbeachpost/videos/251499315472396/
Measure WW
What it would do: This citizen initiative would require every hotel in Long Beach with 50 or more rooms to supply workers with panic buttons that would alert authorities in the case of threats. It would also prohibit hotel operators from requiring workers to clean more than 4,000 square feet of space in any eight-hour workday unless the employer pays twice the regular rate of pay for all hours worked.
Argument against: Those against say this measure is an attempt to trick voters. It would exclude union hotels, as well as hotels under 50 rooms. They also say the majority of hotels already have panic buttons and other safety measures in place.
Argument in favor: Those in favor say the measure will provide needed protections to workers, who often work long hours in dangerous situations. They say other cities have similar ordinances in place, and that it will not cost taxpayers any money.