I’ve seen them for weeks – “Vote ‘NO’ all the proposition you DIDN’T ask for” and yesterday, a flyer (obviously sponsored by our mayor) that says to “VOTE YES” on florescent green paper (he owns an ad company). Here’s Michael’s Guide to the Pasadena TX May 12th Vote:
Prop 1: Move from council-mayor form of goverment to manager-council form: NO
A manager is essentially a CEO – elected by the council to run the city. While it sounds logical, it removes direct accountability from the voters. I want to vote against the mayor that screws up, and see his/her campaign to determine if he/she is worthy of the position. Historically, business-owners hold this position anyway (they have the money to run).
Prop 2: City Attorney to report to City Council and CEO, not the mayor: NO
Goes with Prop 1.
Prop 3: City Council pay goes from $300/mth to $600/mth: YES
They all have OTHER jobs, so it’s $3,600 extra per year in their pocket now. I don’t see a big issue in making it $7,200/yr. I know that I could use it.
Prop 4: Council terms go from 2 to 3 years, and the positions are staggered. Now it’s 2 years and it’s everybody at once: NO
I’m thought I was for this mainly for the staggering – much like the US Senate is. And, the fact that the entire council can be replaced at one time is one of the points of this prop. But, I see that as a good thing for us. If they do a completely horrible job – the LOT of them are out. It’s something we as voters have over them. So, it’s a NO to change that.
Prop 5: Change term limits to 9 years, instead of 8: NO
Goes with Prop 4.
Prop 6: Terminated city employees to appeal to a new Termination Appeals Board (now it’s City Council): NO
Two reasons here – one, I’m voting for the Council pay increase. They need to earn all that. Two, it’s another level of government – more bureaucracy. We all know about the only way to get fired from a gov’t job is to say something to the news (just ask Tom Nixon). I think the council can still get the appeals.
Prop 7: Charter cleanup – remove the stuff that’s isn’t relevant. YES
Unless it’s the stuff about the mayor-council rules, but in essence, this removed the crap that’s collected. Now, if we could do SOMETHING about the Texas Constitiution…
Prop 8: Yearly CPA audit of the city that’s done on a bid proposal:Â YES
Currently, the mayor just appointed his buddy and Council just approves it, unless they’re pissed at him. Let’s see the CPAs squirm.
Prop 9:Establish and Ethics ordinance and provide consequences for violation: YES
Mainly because there’s an Ethics Code now, but no consequences. Let’s kick ’em in the arse for appointing their buddy CPA for the audit that can’t even spell CPA… oh wait… that might change too… Still a slap for being unethical is better than nothing.
There you go. Yes’es for 3, 7, 8 and 9.