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88 SECOND ANNUAL ILG LUNCHEON PROP. 2 t 8 from page t . . . . . . . . .. . rage 8 SYMPOSIUM ON SEPTEMBER 7 Prior to this decision, city attorneys were split Does it sometimes seem that people don't into separate camps - one believing that utility understand how many positive things your city rates were subject to Prop. 218 and the other does and the role the city plays in the community's believing they were not. The Supreme Court's quality of life? Do you find that people immediately ruling has resolved that split. default to negative perceptions about government and those who serve in government? The court further held that water rates could be the subject of local initiatives to reduce or If so, the Institute for Local Government's repeal the rates. This raises the question as to Second Annual Luncheon Symposium is for you. whether it would be permissible for the voters to reduce water rates where the proceeds from To be held on September 7 at the League of those rates are pledged to bonds or other uses if California Cities' annual conference in San Diego, the reduced rates would not permit the agency to the symposium's main topic will be "How to Talk meet its obligations to bondholders. This question About Government," and is designed to help will likely be resolved through future litigation. effectively communicate about the positive role government plays in the lives of community mem~ Another consequence of the Supreme Court's bers. Come hear about the groundbreaking decision is that water rates are subject to the research being conducted by the Demos Center Proposition 218's majority protest ballot require- for the Public Sector and The FrameWorks Insti- ment. This may cause some concern for agen- tute concerning public attitudes about government cies that adopted rate increases prior to this and ways to promote trust and confidence among decision without complying with the majority your constituents. protest requirement. These agencies may need to revisit these prior rate increases. The symposium will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. In addition, for those wanting further Additionally, the decision raises other issues information, there will be a post-symposium that may only be resolved by future litigation. The discussion from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. - a great League will continue to monitor the fallout from opportunity for speakers and attendees to share this case. their insights about effectively communicating The case is Bighorn-Desert View Water about government. Agency v. Virjil, 2006 WL 2042597. The League Cost for the symposium is $40, which covers would like to thank Janet Morningstar, Michael lunch. To sign up, check the "ILG Luncheon" box Colantuono with Colantuono & Levin, Daniel on your annual conference registration form before Hentschke, General Counsel for the San Diego you submit it. For more information, please visit County Water Authority, and Jennifer Henning, the Institute for Local Government's website at Litigation Counsel for the California State Associa- www.ca-i1g.or9. tion of Counties (CSAC) for writing the friend-of- the-court brief on the League's behalf. You're working hard to serve your community and make it even better. Let's get the word out. Our Mission Rest~r~ and P::t:l~~:::\::::lll:r:~;i'~= ;:~~~t~~:f::~~:> and a~~{),t~e~ .. .....,......~- ..... . ....'. . ..,.......-....... . ...... ..... .. .........._..... H '.~ .._..~~. .,._no ". ..... . .. _..... Visit the League's Official Website..www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS. PAGE 3 July 28. 2006 . Issue #30 - ._.n