Unelected Elk Grove official given authority to decide support for legislation, ballot propositions
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2024/10/unelected-elk-grove-official-given.html
This year, California voters will be voting on 10 propositions. One of the high-profile measures is Proposition 36.
The measure, primarily backed by Republicans, conservatives, and law enforcement officials, will roll back 2014's Proposition 47 criminal justice reforms and stiffen sentencing for certain drug crimes. Supported by major retailers like Target and Walmart, polls show that the measure will likely be adopted.
Among the numerous supporters are several California municipalities, including Elk Grove. Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and councilmembers Rod Brewer, Sergio Robles, and Darren Suen have endorsed the proposition.
How did Elk Grove come to endorse this measure, and who decides what propositions and legislation the city will endorse? The short answer is that the city manager, currently Jason Behrmann, has the authority to offer the city's endorsement of propositions and legislation.
That broad authority was given to the city manager most recently in December 2022, when the city council adopted its Legislative Principles and Procedures for Calendar Years 2023 and 2024. The item was adopted on the consent calendar at the December 14 meeting.
The policy provides guidelines for positions on legislation in several categories, including public safety, that could affect the city and grants city staff the authority to offer support. Although the policy does not explicitly address ballot propositions, Behrmann acknowledged that he decided to provide the city's endorsement for Proposition 36 based on the adopted policy.
The staff report for the policy also notes the importance of guidance from the League of California Cities, which supports Proposition 36. The report states, "The City is a member of Cal Cities, and their Summary of Existing Policy and Guiding Principles is an expansive and broad document. In considering whether to act on pending legislation, City staff may look to these principles as a resource for non-binding guidance in considering whether to act on pending legislation."
If city staff makes recommendations that a city council member does not support, the matter can be brought to the council for consideration. As noted, Proposition 36, which would be supported under housing and public safety categories, has been endorsed by four city council members, so Behrmann's recommendation is not controversial.
As noted, Proposition 36 enjoys support from the Elk Grove City Council and probably most Elk Grove voters, so Behrmann's endorsement will not cause waves. However, it will be worth monitoring the city manager's endorsement of legislation and propositions in the future, especially those that fall into the culture wars, like so-called parental notification measures, and whether or not a position is taken.
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