Measure CA is an initiative that appears on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot. If passed Measure CA would change who has the authority to hire, fire and evaluate our fire chief and police chief. Currently and for most of the past 70 years, that authority has rested with the Culver City Council, our elected representatives. If Measure CA passes, this important role over the police and fire chiefs would shift to the city manager, an unelected executive. Our City Council should maintain direct control over these important institutions that are meant to serve us.
As a member of Culver City Community Coalition, I stand by our group consensus to urge a No vote on Measure CA. We work to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens of Culver City have a voice as stakeholders here; that would include being heard by our Council when issues arise about the way vital services are rendered. And being heard is only worthwhile if the Council has direct input – a through-line to our Fire Chief and Police Chief. If Measure CA passes, that line of communication would be broken by a buffer zone of bureaucracy.
Councilmember Meghan Sahli-Wells, who supports a No vote on Measure CA, often expresses publicly and enthusiastically her support for and the excellence of our fire department, police department and the leaders of these departments. Councilmember Sahli-Wells urges a No on Measure CA , because the Council currently provides an effective conduit for citizen oversight, creating an important partnership between the people of Culver City and their police and fire departments.
Stop the erosion of direct democracy – Vote No on Measure CA
— Michelle Weiner
Culver City
