HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2020 Item 9, Smith
Wilbanks, Megan
From:carolyn smith <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:February 4, 2019 Council Meeting - Agenda Item #9: Council
Compensation
Mayor Harmon and Council Members,
The Mayoral and Council positions have always been considered a service to the
community, not a job. This has assured that only those who are truly committed, and
have a burning desire to serving the city to improve and enhance the community, would
volunteer to run for one of the seats. If you turn these positions into a job with a salary,
you may draw residents to run who just need a part-time job, with a little notoriety, who
have no true desire to do what's best for the community.
While the mayor's and council members' many hours of service is much appreciated by
residents, the recommended compensation increase (63% and 46% respectively) far
exceeds the salary percentage increase that any other city employees have received in
negotiations. That could send a message to city employees that you believe your
service is more valuable than theirs. Because of the significant increase recommended,
perhaps placing this issue on the November 2020 ballot might be more appropriate so
that your constituents can decide if this increase is worthy.
If diversity of candidates is what you're seeking with this increase, it seems to me that
moving to District Elections would provide that goal much better than raising the
compensation. In my opinion, one of the main hindrances to running for city council is
the expense and time needed for competitive city-wide campaigning. Unless a
candidate is supported by a group, such as the Chamber of Commerce, the SLO
Progressives or other organizations, it's very difficult to compete as an individual. From
reviewing some of the previous city mayoral and council election financial campaign
reports, thousands of dollars were spent and numerous campaign events occurred
which were supported by groups and organizations. Also of note is that some
candidates had to significantly contribute their own funds to augment their campaigns in
order to compete. Most residents can't afford to run that kind of campaign. However, if
Council would allow district elections, a candidate would only have to campaign in
his/her district. This would give more residents an opportunity to financially compete
because it would eliminate city-wide campaigning which has become very costly.
For example, the Laguna Lake area houses many middle to lower income residents
who might like to serve on the Council. With city-wide elections, they generally would
not have the financial ability or the time to campaign in order to be competitive.
However, if they would only need to campaign in the Laguna Lake area (if that became
1
one district), it would be less costly, making success much more attainable. This would
encourage more diversity of candidates and potentially more diverse council members
than by increasing council compensation. It would also give residents in all areas of the
city a representative to understand their concerns and needs. I hope you will consider
district elections, which I believe will better help provide the diversity you seek.
Thank you for your attention and service.
Carolyn Smith
San Luis Obispo City Resident
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