Know Your Ballot In Los Alamitos: Measure X

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — In just under three weeks, Los Alamitos residents will head to the polls to make a decision on Measure X, which aims to make changes to the City Charter.

Here is the official language of Measure X as it appears on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election:

Shall the Los Alamitos City Charter (established in 1966) be amended with no tax increase to: reflect the City’s by-district election system; establish term limits for Councilmembers elected-by district; impose limits on campaign contributions; require lobbyists to register with the City and report all lobbying activities, with reports made available to the public; and increase the bidding threshold for public works contracts awarded by the City Council?

If approved, Measure X will update specific aspects of the City Charter including:

Modernize Public Works Purchasing

The measure aims to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of its public works department by increasing the threshold for requiring request for proposal processes to $125,000. Currently, the threshold for extensive requests is $10,000 on public works projects.

The limit was established in 1960 and city officials said it is a substantial bottleneck to efficient city operations.

"This outdated spending limit forces the City to undergo a lengthy and cumbersome public bidding process for even minor projects such as fixing potholes or repairing storm-damaged plumbing and roofs," the city said.

Establishment of District Term Limits

The charter amendment would update current city council member term limits to align with the recent change where council members are elected by one of five districts in the Los Alamitos.

Currently, council members can serve up to three consecutive terms before stepping down for a year-long cool down period. The change will cap council members to three terms serving the district in which they reside with a two-year cool down period.

"Implementation of this term limit specification will increase voter choice within each district while balancing the overall philosophy of term limit restrictions," the city said.

Clean Up Legacy By-District Elections Provisions

The measure will replace language that is now outdated in the original Charter based on the conversion to by-district elections.

Campaign Contribution Restrictions

In an effort to reduce the influence of monetary contributions in local politics, Measure X would consider placing a limit of $500 for companies and individuals who donate in support of City Council candidates.

The amendment will also mandate full disclosures and filing of transparency paperwork in accordance with State regulations.

Require Lobbyist Registration

The charter amendment will define lobbyists as paid third parties who are engaged by interest groups to lobby elected officials. Lobbyists will be required to complete paperwork and register with the City of Los Alamitos before engaging with elected officials.

Elected officials will also be required to disclose any meetings with lobbyists prior to voting on measures they were lobbied on.

Those in favor of the measure include Mayor Jordan Nefulda, Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink and President of the Los Alamitos Police Officers Association Evan Flynn.

"It is not often that business people, community volunteers, and elected leaders agree. However, when it comes to Measure X, there is a resounding consensus that it delivers a much-needed update to the Los Alamitos charter," the ballot argument in support of Measure X says.

Residents have expressed their opposition to Measure X, stating aspects of the measure are unnecessary and not required by law.

"These changes are designed by and for the sole benefit of elected leaders," the ballot argument against Measure X says. "This Charter Amendment is not designed to benefit the residents."

Los Alamitos and Seal Beach Election News:

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• How To Register To Vote In Los Alamitos and Seal Beach
• Ballot Boxes Open In Los Alamitos-Seal Beach: Find Yours