10/19/2024
Measure X is not what the Proponents Claim it to Be.
1. The Title is Misleading - Measure X actually make the actions of Los Alamitos Elected Officials LESS transparent and avoid financial accountability.
2. Term Limits are extended for council members elected before "by district" voting was adopted.
Those council members can run for election for up to 24 years because MEASURE X changes the DATE for calculating "term limits" to the date of the adoption of Measure X. Term Limits of 12 Years already exist in the City Charter. Measure X was specifically put on the Ballot to increase term limits.
3. No Bid Contracts. A vote for Measure X allows non-elected officials to enter into city contracts under $125,000 without competitive bidding, without local newspaper notice of Request for Contract Proposals, and without oversight by the public. This sets up "Pay for Play" contracts. Local Business lose...if they do not know a contract for city services is available, they cannot make a bid. Placing this provision in the CHARTER would give this power to EVERY FUTURE CITY MANAGER unless a CHARTER CHANGE was enacted by the voters. MEASURE X places TOO MUCH FINANCIAL POWER in the hands of a NON-ELECTED staff member.
4. Lobbying Registration. OMITTED from Measure X is a requirement that Elected Officials and City Staff MUST REPORT PAID LOBBYING by real estate developers and others doing business with the city. Measure X does not "define" lobbyist as "paid/professionals. Without that the definition, CITIZENS must register, BUT NOT elected officials and city staff who are approached by paid lobbyist in order to get their project approved.
Measure X promotes Lack of Transparency and Lack of Accountability.
Los Alamitos has close to $26 Million in outstanding Pension Debt.
That debt has increased from $22 M in 2022 to $26 M in 2024.
Between 2021-2023, Audited Financial Reports show a loss of investment value of over $1 Million because money was transferred into uninsured and risky real estate investments.
Staff was given 18% Salary Raises in 2024 - increasing pension debt obligations.
The last thing Los Alamitos needs if LESS transparency and LESS accountability by elected-officials and management.
