AgdaPkt 2005-09-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9� �-� PROP76 from page 1 ..... . . . . ..... . . . . ..... . . . . . .... . . . . ..... . . .. The League's board made this decision after The League can only act effectively when it is coming to a conclusion that the measures did not united on an issue, and remaining true to the affect a significant municipal interest. The board organization's vision statement "to be recognized did agree to consider adopting a position on Propo and respected as the leading advocate for the sition 76 — the "Live Within Our Means AcY' sup common interests of California's cities," it was ported by Gov. Schwarzenegger and a number of clear that the board was deeply divided on the other groups and individuals. The board also asked Proposition 76 question, laying the groundwork the League Revenue and Taxation Policy Commit- for the neutral position that was ultimately ap- tee to meet in special session this past August to proved. review and advise the board on the ballot measure. The board of directors will have its next In accordance with League bylaws, on Septem- meeting on October 6, in connection with the ber 12, 42 of the 47 League board members League's Annual Conference in San Francisco. convened by conference call to hold a special meeting to consider the League's position on For more information on Proposition 76 and Proposition 76. The written staff report contained the board of directors' action, see the recommendation of the Revenue and Taxation www.cacities.orq. Policy Committee to support the ballot measure and included a lengthy analysis of the potential . . . . . . � . . . . � . . � . � � � � . . . impacts on cities of the measure. Tom Campbell former state director of finance �INKING UP: THE ASH INSTITUTE and a current member of the campaign team in FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE support of Proposition 76, made the presentation in AND INNOVATION support of Proposition 76. Craig Brown, also a former director of finance and now a representative The League of Califomia Cities recently of the Alliance for a Better Califomia (which is added a link on the League's website to the Ash opposing the governor's ballot measures), argued Institute for Democratic Governance and Innova- the opposing position. After their presentations, tion www.innovations.harvard.edu, housed at board members spent approximately an hour Harvard University's Kennedy School of Govern- asking questions of the speakers. ment. During the action portion of the meeting, an The Kennedy School website serves as a initial motion was made to oppose Proposition 76. web portal that strives to be the pre-eminent A substitute motion was then made to support the source of information on government innovations ballot measure. Finally, after thorough debate, a for policy makers and practitioners. Included are second substitute motion was made to be neutral invitations to online events focused on policy on the measure. This measure was adopted by a areas, relevant news, documents from research vote of 23-15 (with four abstentions). (Several centers at the Kennedy School, descriptions of board members who had left the call did not partici- award winning programs, a calendar of interna- pate in the vote.) tional and national events, and much more. Throughout the debate, board members ex- The link is included on the League's website pressed differing opinions on all three potential at vwvw.cacities.orq under "All About Cities" on positions by the board, but ultimately, support for the main navigation bar, and then choosing the neutral position reflected a strong desire by the "Other Useful Links" under the "Governance" majority to not let any issue on which there are subhead. strongly divergent views deeply divide the League. Visit the League's Official Website--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PAGE 3