On November 5th, 2024, the residents of Compton will face a critical decision that could reshape our city’s governance forever. Measure CA, if passed, will transform the City Attorney’s office from an elected position to an appointed one. This is a direct threat to the voice and choice of the people. I strongly urge you to VOTE NO on Measure CA.
Here’s why:
1. Your Right to Vote is at Stake
Measure CA takes away your right to vote for your City Attorney. This is your decision, not the City Council’s. By making the position appointed, we remove a crucial mechanism that allows the residents to choose who represents their legal interests. We cannot allow this power to be taken from the people.
2. Opens the Door to Corruption
An appointed City Attorney would be at the mercy of the City Council, who would have the power to select their own allies or cronies. This could lead to conflicts of interest and corruption, where the City Attorney’s loyalty may shift from serving the public to serving those who appointed them.
3. Loss of an Independent Voice
The City Attorney’s role is to provide impartial legal advice and uphold the law, even if that means challenging the actions of the City Council or City leadership. With an appointed City Attorney, that independent voice may be lost. The City Attorney should be accountable to the people, not politicians who might pressure them to act in their interests.
4. No Checks and Balances
In our democratic system, the separation of powers is crucial. The City Attorney is an essential part of the checks and balances that prevent abuses of power. If this measure passes, the balance of power will shift dangerously, placing too much authority in the hands of the City Council, with little accountability.
5. Reduced Accountability to the Public
An appointed City Attorney would be accountable to the City Council, not to the people. If they fail to perform their duties impartially or in the public’s interest, residents would have little recourse to demand change.
6. Risk of Unqualified Appointees
The City Council may appoint someone who lacks the experience or qualifications necessary to protect the city's legal interests. With elections, the public ensures the City Attorney has a proven track record, but an appointment process carries no such guarantee.
7. Lack of Transparency
The process of appointing a City Attorney can happen behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny. With an election, the people are fully informed about the candidates, their qualifications, and their commitment to the community. An appointment would limit the transparency you deserve.
8. Long-Term Impact
Once the power to appoint a City Attorney is handed to the City Council, it is unlikely to be reversed. The negative consequences of this measure could impact Compton for years to come, removing a vital layer of public oversight.
Compton’s residents deserve a City Attorney who is free to represent the community's interests, not one handpicked by politicians with their own agendas. Measure CA will not only remove your right to vote but will also weaken our city's democratic foundations. This is not just about one office; it’s about protecting the future of Compton.
I urge you to protect your voice, protect your vote, and protect the integrity of our city government. On November 5th, VOTE NO on Measure CA.
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