HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2020 Item 9, Cross
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Brett Cross <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item #9 Council Compensation Recommendation
City Council members:
The overarching goal behind the compensation recommendation is to increase inclusivity. Basically
allowing more people to run for office and also those people represent a more diverse community- social,
economic, gender, and race. You'll notice I left off diversity of opinion. I left that concept of diversity out
because even though you may, and I stress may, get a more diverse candidates to run if they are all of
the same ideology have you really created diversity?.
I think it's fair to say that effective campaigning requires substantial resources in the way of money to run
and effective campaign, quite a number of supporters to help get your message out citywide, and the
backing of key groups- including political organizations, as well as business organizations, and key local
groups. Lacking these key resources effectively campaigning is exceptionally difficult and the amount of
compensation a member of the City Council receives is a distant second to the ability of a resident to
"throw their hat in the ring".
If the City Council and the Council Compensation Committee's goal is to increase inclusivity the best way,
in my opinion, is to go to district elections. The smaller geographic area minimizes the need to raise lots
of money, needing resources and backing of political parties, business organizations, or special key
groups. A candidate would not have to be a member of these groups and organizations to run an
effective campaign in an smaller district campaign.
I hope you seriously consider the merits of meeting the goal of inclusivity and even diversity of opinion by
moving this community ahead with the goal of creating district elections.
Sincerely,
Brett Cross
1217 Mariners Cove
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
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