ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION J

Our City Charter has been updated to reflect current needs, but one section is woefully out of date. Since 1946, Santa Monica City Council Members have received $50 per month compensation for the expenses of holding office. This amount is fixed in the Charter, and cannot be updated without a vote of the people.

City business is far more complicated and time-consuming than it was when the Charter was adopted 52 years ago. In 1992, a citizens' panel found that the responsibility of City Council service is the approximate equivalent of a half-time job, averaging about 23 hours per week.
 
Serving on the Council actually costs money. Council Members are frequently required to leave their work place early, or reduce their employment hours if they are to be effective representatives. The resulting loss of personal income is unfair and can discourage many from seeking election.

Proposition J will revise the City Charter to pay Council Members to partially offset the cost of holding office. It provides for monthly compensation of $750 for Council Members, and $900 per month for the Mayor. It also allows for the standard benefits provided to other city employees. The proposed level of compensation more fairly reflects the true costs of holding office in 1998.

Volunteerism is highly valued in Santa Monica. This proposal is modest enough to ensure that our elected officials will remain community-minded volunteers and not career politicians.
 
Proposition J preserves the right of the voters to authorize any future pay increases beyond the increase in the Consumer Price Index. No other increase will be allowed without approval by the voters.

We strongly urge you to support this proposal for fair compensation, so that all Santa Monicans can consider running for City Council.

Vote YES on Proposition J

Nancy Greenstein
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights

Maria Leon-Vasquez
Chair, Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women

Jean Sedillos
Founding Chair, Coalition for a Safe Santa Monica

Nat Trives
Former Council Member (1971-1979) and Mayor

Denny Zane
Former Council Member (1981-1992) and Mayor
 
 

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