HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/3/2019 Item 18, Smith C
From:carolyn smith <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:City Council Meeting - September 3, 2019, Item 18 - Clean Energy Ordinance
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members:
Please place this proposed ordinance on the 2020 General Election ballot. This is a very serious
change that has huge financial impacts on existing and future residents and many are not even aware
that this ordinance is being proposed. I've heard that council members claim this move to all electric
is what the majority of residents want but I don't believe there is a way for any of you to actually know
that without a ballot measure. It could be that the majority of those in your circle of like-minded people
want this ordinance but there is a broad spectrum of your constituency that doesn't want this
ordinance to pass and you represent them as well. In reading those in favor of this ordinance under
Agenda Correspondence, I notice some don't live in SLO (even one or two from out of state), some
don't say where they live, and some are in the building industry who specialize in passive and design
construction and have financial gain from this ordinance. It's always easy to be in favor of an ideal, if
you don't have to live with the consequences from it. The majority of those against the ordinance
identify as SLO residents and it's vital that their voices be included when making your decision.
The last time a very controversial ordinance like this was passed by a SLO council, over many vocal
resident objections (Rental Housing Inspection Program), a referendum placed the issue on the ballot
overturning the council's decision, who also claimed, at that time, that they were doing what their
constituents wanted and knew what was best for them. Also a lawsuit was filed that decided the
legality of the ordinance. If you're confident that the majority of SLO residents agree with this
proposed ordinance, then an election can either verify or disavow that claim. SLO residents should
have the right to make the ultimate decision on this ordinance since they will be the most effected by
it. Businesses, jobs, and families on limited income will be negatively impacted by this ordinance.
Since there is no rush to implement this ordinance, please place it on the General election ballot in
November, 2020.
If you refuse to do that, then I urge you to use this opportunity to mold an ordinance that doesn't
punish future home buyers or those wishing to renovate their homes here in SLO if they chose to
have a dual energy home. Providing people with incentives (such as a rebate program or a monthly
assistance program) to choose an all electric home will create more support and enthusiasm toward
your energy goals. Certainly there are Grants available to assist residents for this purpose. This will
provide a reasonable choice that doesn't over burden workforce families and others who are on
limited budgets. Many of our workforce families struggle every month to pay their bills. This ordinance
will cause many of those who work in the gas construction and sales industry to lose their jobs here,
forcing them to move elsewhere. It makes no sense, and even seems cruel, that you would pass an
ordinance that would create even more anxiety to families to be able to survive here. This ordinance
could be the final straw that forces those, who you purport to support by wanting to provide affordable
housing, out of the housing market here. Since one of your primary goals has been to make housing
more affordable, it seems counter productive to create an ordinance that directly increases the price
of new homes and will create high monthly electric bills. Despite your belief that what you're doing is
the "right thing," please keep in mind the serious and significant consequences to many families when
making your decision.
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Thank you for your serious consideration of this obviously contentious issue.
Carolyn Smith, SLO Resident
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