We’ve posted the Argument in favor of Measure D, which would amend the City Charter to limit the mayor to four consecutive two-year terms, instead of the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms. Here is the Argument Against Measure D that will be in the sample ballot:

ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE D

Opposition to Charter Amendment to Section 504

We urge you to vote “NO” on Measure D. Under Anaheim’s Charter, the mayor and city council members are all elected to four-year terms. Measure D proposes to change the Charter to require the city’s mayor to run for office every two years, while council candidates continue to be elected every four years.

There is simply no good reason to support this proposed change in the law.

The vast majority of American large-city mayors serve four-year terms. A four-year term gives the city’s chief elected official time to set goals and plan for the city’s needs, and it provides continuity of leadership to keep city government both stable and responsive to the voters.

California’s 10 largest cities, including Anaheim, elect their mayor for four years. This length of term gives these large-city mayors time to execute their vision and agenda, allowing voters to assess their accomplishments in the next election.

If our city required its mayor to run every two years, a significant amount of that person’s time and attention would be moved from the job of running the city to running for election. This is not a change that serves the public’s best interest.

Proponents will try to argue that a shorter term will make the mayor more responsive to the people. This is inconsistent and does not make sense. Under their logic, shouldn’t the terms for the city council members also be shortened to two years?

This suggested change is not about improving the mayor’s responsiveness to the people. It is not in the best interest of the people of Anaheim and for that reason, we join many community leaders and civic organizations in urging a “NO” vote on Measure D.

Tom Tait
Mayor of Anaheim

James Vanderbilt
Anaheim City School District Board Member Trustee

Jose Moreno
University Professor

Steve McKay
Anaheim Canyon Community Coalition

Helen Myers
Orange County Historic Commission

James Vanderbilt is one-half of what will presumably be a two-person council candidate “Tait Slate” to knock out incumbents Kris Murray and Gail Eastman.

Jose Moreno is a professor in the CSULB Chicano and Latino Studies Department and the lead plaintiff in the ACLU lawsuit that sought to force Anaheim citizens to elect their city council from single-member districts.

Steve McKay is a friend and supporter of Mayor Tait’s from Anaheim Hills.

Helen Myers is a friend of Cynthia Ward, treasurer of a political action committee formed last year by Ward, and was treasurer of millionaire developer Tony Bushala’s Fullerton Recall PAC.