★ ★★ Sample Ballot & Voter’s Pamphlet CONSOLIDATED PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE y h a ve ma n g p la ce lli o p ver. Yo u r See back co d. ge an been ch AVISO ede haber votación pu sterior. de r po Su luga da a la porta cambiado. Ve TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 Last day to register to vote in this election: OCTOBER 22, 2012 For Voting Information Call 600-8683 or Toll Free 1-800-742-1011 www.co.fresno.ca.us or www.sos.ca.gov Boleta de Muestra y Folleto del Elector ELECCIÓN PRIMARIA PRESIDENCIAL CONSOLIDADA MARTES, 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2012 El plazo para registrarse para votar en esta elección vence: EL DÍA 22 DE OCTUBRE DEL 2012 Para información sobre el proceso de votación, favor de llamar al teléfono 600-8683 o sin cargo al 1-800-742-1011 MARK YOUR VOTES AND USE THIS AT THE POLLS. THE LOCATION OF YOUR POLLING PLACE IS SHOWN ON BACK COVER. POLLS OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M. IF VOTING BY MAIL, YOUR VOTED BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRESNO COUNTY ELECTION OFFICIALS NO LATER THAN 8:00 P.M. ON ELECTION DAY. Compiled by Brandi L. Orth Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters MARQUE SUS VOTOS EN ESTA BOLETA DE MUESTRA Y ÚSELA EN LA URNA ELECTORAL. ESTE PANFLETO CONTIENE TODAS LAS PREFERENCIAS DE PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS. POR FAVOR CONSULTE LA PORTADA POSTERIOR PARA SU PARTIDO POLÍTICO. LA UBICACIÓN DE SU LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN SE MUESTRA EN LA PORTADA POSTERIOR. LAS URNAS ABREN A LAS 7:00 A.M. CIERRAN A LAS 8:00 P.M. SI USTED VOTA POR CORREO, SU BOLETA VOTADA DEBE SER RECIBIDA POR LOS OFICIALES DE ELECCIONES DEL CONDADO DE FRESNO A MÁS TARDAR A LAS 8:00 DE LA NOCHE DEL DÍA DE LA ELECCIÓN. Compilada por Brandi L. Orth, Oficial del Registro Civil/Registradora de Electores del Condado de Fresno. INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS THIS SAMPLE BALLOT BOOKLET contains the tools you will need in order to participate fully in this election. Look at the sample ballot pages that follow. INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: YOU MUST USE A BLACK PEN, BLUE PEN, OR A NO. 2 PENCIL TO COMPLETELY FILL IN THE OVAL TO THE LEFT OF YOUR CHOICE. FILL IN THE WHOLE OVAL, OR YOUR VOTE MAY NOT BE COUNTED. (VOTE LIKE THIS ) If you wrongly mark, tear or deface your ballot, you should return it and obtain another ballot. • Do not sign or print your name anywhere on the ballot. • Do not initial your ballot, even if you make a change. • Do not make extraneous markings, such as distinct drawings or numbers. To vote for a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, FILL IN THE OVAL next to the candidate’s name. Where two or more candidates for the same office are to be elected, FILL IN THE OVAL next to the names of all candidates for the office for whom you desire to vote, not to exceed, however, the number of candidates to be elected. To vote for a qualified write-in candidate, FILL IN THE OVAL and write the person’s name in the blank space provided for that purpose after the names of the other candidates for the same office. If you would like the names and offices of qualified write-in candidates, call the Fresno County Clerk/Elections office at (559) 600-8683. To vote on any measure, FILL IN THE OVAL next to the word “Yes” or next to the word “No.” PERMANENT VOTE BY MAIL VOTERS: VOTING AT THE POLLING PLACE: After you have completed voting, place your ballot in the secrecy holder and deposit the ballot into the ballot box. You will receive your ballot in the mail within the next two weeks. Please do not apply again for a vote by mail ballot. VOTING BY MAIL: After you have completed voting, remove the stub and place your ballot in the return envelope, and sign and date the envelope. The envelope must be signed or the ballot will not be counted. Return the envelope according to the instructions you received with your ballot. INSTRUCCIONES AL ELECTOR ESTE PANFLETO DE LA BOLETA ELECTORAL contiene las herramientas que usted necesitará para participar completamente en esta elección. Observe las páginas siguientes de la boleta electoral de muestra. INSTRUCCIONES AL ELECTOR: UTILICE USTED UNA PLUMA O BOLÍGRAFO DE TINTA NEGRA O AZUL, O BIEN UN LÁPIZ N 2, PARA LLENAR COMPLETAMENTE EL ÓVALO AL LADO IZQUIERDO DE SU PREFERENCIA. LLENE EL ÓVALO COMPLETAMENTE, PARA QUE SU VOTO SEA CONTADO CON SEGURIDAD. (VOTE ASÍ ) O Si usted marca, rompe, o mutila su boleta sin querer, devuélvala y obtenga otra. • No escriba su nombre ni firme en ninguna parte de la boleta electoral. • No coloque sus iniciales en la boleta electoral, aun si realizó algún cambio. • No haga marcas extrañas, tales como dibujos distintivos o números. Para votar por un candidato cuyo nombre consta en la boleta, LLENE USTED EL ÓVALO al lado del nombre del candidato. Si han de ser elegidos dos o más candidatos al mismo cargo, LLENE EL ÓVALO al lado de los nombres de todos los candidatos por los que usted desee votar, sin exceder, sin embargo, el número de candidatos por ser elegidos. Para votar por un candidato elegible cuyo nombre no consta en la boleta, LLENE EL ÓVALO y escriba el nombre de la persona en el espacio en blanco provisto para el efecto a continuación de los nombres de los otros candidatos al mismo cargo. Si usted desea saber los nombres de los candidatos cuyos nombres no constan en la boleta, llame a la oficina del Oficial del Registro Civil/Empadronador de Electores al (559) 600-8683. Para votar sobre una propuesta, LLENE USTED EL ÓVALO al lado de la palabra “Sí” o al lado de la palabra “No”. VOTANDO EN EL SITIO DE VOTACIÓN: Al terminar de votar, coloque usted su boleta en el sobre de confidencialidad provisto y deposítela dentro de la urna electoral. VOTANDO POR CORREO: VOTANTES DE VOTO POR CORREO PERMANENTES: Recibirá su boleta por correo postal durante las próximas dos semanas. Por favor no solicite nuevamente una boleta de votante de voto por correo. Al terminar de votar, quite usted el talón y coloque su boleta en el sobre de devolución; y después firme el sobre y apunte la fecha. Sin su firma en el sobre, su boleta no se contará. Devuelva el sobre de acuerdo con las instrucciones adjuntas a su boleta. COUNTY OF FRESNO COUNTY CLERK / REGISTRAR OF VOTERS BRANDI L. ORTH October 1, 2012 Dear Registered Voter: One of the fundamental elements of democracy is the opportunity for United States citizens to become registered voters and participate in the Presidential General Election which will occur on November 6, 2012. As your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters I am committed to continuing to conduct elections that are transparent and in accordance with election law. The June 2012 Presidential Primary election reflected the new district boundary lines for several federal and State offices as a result of the most recent U.S. Census. The November 6, 2012 Presidential General election will include many more cities, school and special districts races on the ballot. Boundary lines for 26 districts, school districts and cities were re-configured and 15 districts, school districts and cities changed from voting “at large” (meaning the entire district) to voting “by trustee area”. This voting change created many areas where there are less than 250 registered voters. Election law allows these areas to vote-by-mail to enable the County to most efficiently utilize their limited resources. In this election we have 210 vote-by-mail areas. You can verify which districts you are registered in by logging in at www.co.fresno.ca.us/findmydistrict. If you vote a Vote-By-Mail ballot; only the voter, or a family member (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister) or a person residing in the same household is authorized to return your ballot to an elections official by 8:00 p.m. November 6, 2012. The law protects every voter’s right to vote in secret. It is a felony for someone to use coercion or intimidation to influence your vote. The back cover of this sample ballot lists the location of your polling place and includes an application for a Vote-By-Mail ballot. The deadline for the County Clerk department to receive your application for a Vote-By-Mail ballot is October 30, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. I am honored to serve you as the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your experience with the Fresno County election process please contact our office at 559-600-VOTE (8683). Very truly yours, Brandi L. Orth Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters 2221 Kern Street • Fresno, California 93721 Clerk Services (559) 600-2575 • Elections (559) 600-8683 • Fax (559) 488-3279 Central Warehouse (559) 600-3032 Equal Employment Opportunity • Affirmative Action • Disabled Employer FR 024-001 FR 024-002 State Assembly State Assembly 23 31 Bob Whalen James (JD) Bennett Republican Republican J J Party Preference Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic IN34 The following abbreviations for Party Preference are printed on the Official Ballot: DEM – Democratic REP – Republican AI – American Independent GRN – Green LIB – Libertarian PF – Peace and Freedom None – no abbreviation Congressional District 4 Congressional District 16 Congressional District 21 Congressional District 22 The American Independent Party endorses the following candidate(s). OfficeCandidate Name Party Preference Office U. S. Senate Tom McClintock Republican Congressional District 4 Brian Daniel Whelan Republican Congressional District 16 David G. Valadao Republican Congressional District 21 Devin G. Nunes Republican Congressional District 22 State Assembly District 31 The Republican Party endorses the following candidate(s). Candidate Name Party Preference Office Elizabeth Emken Republican U. S. Senate Tom McClintock Republican Congressional District 4 David G.Valadao Republican Congressional District 21 Devin Nunez Republican Congressional District 22 James “JD Bennett Republican State Assembly 31 Candidate Name Dianne Feinstein Jack Uppal Jim Costa John Hernandez Otto Lee Henry T. Perea The Democratic Party endorses the following candidate(s). Proposition 14, approved by the voters in 2010, authorizes political parties to endorse candidates to Voter-Nominated offices. This pamphlet contains the official endorsements that were received by the deadline and are printed as submitted. The endorsements listed below may not be from the same political party that the candidate prefers. Please refer to the official ballot to view the candidate’s political preference. PARTY ENDORSEMENTS J Denotes the candidates on the following pages who also submitted statements. The statements were printed at the expense of the candidate and have not been edited or verified for accuracy by the elections official. No corrections have been made for spelling or grammar. Candidates who voluntarily limit their campaign expenditures in accordance with Proposition 34, may submit a candidate statement for inclusion in the sample ballot booklet. Following is a list of legislative candidates who have agreed to voluntary spending limits: Proposition 34, was adopted by the voters at the November 7, 2000 General Election. Provisions of this law limit the amount of contributions by individuals and other entities and requires all candidates running for statewide office, State Assembly and Senate to declare whether they will voluntarily limit their campaign expenditures. IMPORTANT VOTER NOTICE FR 024-003 EC-2012 Political parties are not entitled to nominate candidates for nonpartisan offices at the primary election, and a candidate at the primary election is not the official nominee of any party for the specific office at the general election. A candidate for nomination to a nonpartisan office may not designate his or her party preference, or lack of party preference, on the ballot. The top two vote-getters at the primary election move on to the general election for the nonpartisan office. NONPARTISAN OFFICES Any voter may vote for any candidate for a voter-nominated office, if they meet the other qualifications required to vote for that office. The top two votegetters at the primary election move on to the general election for the voter-nominated office even if both candidates have specified the same party preference designation. No party is entitled to have a candidate with its party preference designation move on to the general election, unless the candidate is one of the two highest vote-getters at the primary election. Political parties are not entitled to formally nominate candidates for voter-nominated offices at the primary election. A candidate nominated for a voternominated office at the primary election is the nominee of the people and not the official nominee of any party at the general election. A candidate for nomination to a voter-nominated office shall have his or her party preference, or lack of party preference, stated on the ballot, but the party preference designation is selected solely by the candidate and is shown for the information of the voters only. It does not mean the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party designated, or that there is an affiliation between the party and candidate, and no candidate nominated by the voters shall be deemed to be the officially nominated candidate of any political party. In the county sample ballot booklet, parties may list the candidates for voter-nominated offices who have received the party’s official endorsement. VOTER-NOMINATED OFFICES A voter can only vote in the primary election of the political party he or she has disclosed a preference for upon registering to vote. However, a political party may allow a person who has declined to disclose a party preference to vote in that party’s primary election. Political parties may formally nominate candidates for party-nominated/partisan offices at the primary election. A nominated candidate will represent that party as its official candidate for the specific office at the general election and the ballot will reflect an official designation. The top vote-getter for each party at the primary election moves on to the general election. Parties also elect officers of county central committees at the primary election. PARTY-NOMINATED/PARTISAN OFFICES California law requires that the following information be printed in the notice. California’s new open primary system does not apply to candidates running for U.S. President, county central committee, or local offices. Write-in candadates for voter-nominated offices can only run in the primary election. However, a write-in candidate can only move on to the general election if the candidate is one of the top two vote-getters in the primary election. Additionally, there is no independent nomination process for a general election. The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, which took effect January 1, 2011, requires that all candidates for a voter-nominated office be listed on the same ballot. Previously known as partisan offices, voter-nominated offices are state legislative offices, U.S. congressional offices, and state constitutional offices. Only the two candidates receiving the most votes—regardless of party preference—move on to the general election regardless of vote totals. ELECTIONS IN CALIFORNIA OFFICIAL BALLOT CONSOLIDATED PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2012, FRESNO COUNTY SAMPLE BALLOT INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: next to your choice. 1. To vote you must completely darken the oval 2. If you make a mistake or prefer a Spanish ballot, contact the Elections Office at (559) 600-8683 or ask the precinct officer at your polling location. VOTE BOTH SIDES VOTE LIKE THIS: Party-Nominated Offices The party label accompanying the name of a candidate for party-nominated office on the general election ballot means that the candidate is the official nominee of the party shown. FEDERAL PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT Vote for One Party GARY JOHNSON (President) JAMES P. GRAY (Vice President) ROSEANNE BARR (President) CINDY SHEEHAN (Vice President) LIB PF BARACK OBAMA (President) JOSEPH BIDEN (Vice President) DEM JILL STEIN (President) CHERI HONKALA (Vice President) GRN MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY MEASURES SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS 23rd ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Vote for One STATE 30. TEMPORARY TAXES TO FUND EDUCATION. GUARANTEED LOCAL PUBLIC BOB WHALEN Party Preference: REP SAFETY FUNDING. INITIATIVE Prosecutor/Councilmember JIM PATTERSON Party Preference: REP CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Increases Businessman/Broadcast Executive taxes on earnings over $250,000 for seven years and sales taxes by ¼ cent for four years, to fund schools. Guarantees public safety NONPARTISAN realignment funding. Fiscal Impact: Increased state tax revenues through 2018-19, averaging SCHOOL about $6 billion annually over the next few STATE CENTER COMMUNITY years. Revenues available for funding state COLLEGE DISTRICT budget. In 2012-13, planned spending GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER reductions, primarily to education programs, TRUSTEE AREA NO. 7 would not occur. Vote for One YES RICHARD CAGLIA Businessman/College Trustee KEVIN HALL Executive Director/Businessman Write-In THOMAS HOEFLING (President) ROBERT ORNELAS (Vice President) MITT ROMNEY (President) PAUL RYAN (Vice President) AI REP Write-In Voter-Nominated and Nonpartisan Offices All voters, regardless of the party preference they disclosed upon registration, or refusal to disclose a party preference, may vote for any candidate for a voter-nominated or nonpartisan office. The party preference, if any, designated by a candidate for a voter-nominated office is selected by the candidate and is shown for the information of the voters only. It does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party or that the party approves of the candidate. The party preference, if any, of a candidate for a nonpartisan office does not appear on the ballot. FEDERAL UNITED STATES SENATOR Vote for One FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER TRUSTEE AREA NO. 6 Vote for One GEORGE WHITMAN Commercial Property Lender DANIEL HARRISON Economist/Music Teacher KEN TRAPP Retired Teacher JANET RYAN Trustee/Educator CAROLE BLOMGREN Insurance Agent Write-In DISTRICT FRESNO IRRIGATION DISTRICT MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIVISION NO. 5 Vote for One MIKE KILIJIAN Business Owner JERALD REBENSDORF Appointed Incumbent GREGORY H. BEBERIAN Organic Farmer/Businessman Write-In DIANNE FEINSTEIN Party Preference: DEM United States Senator ELIZABETH EMKEN Party Preference: REP Businesswoman/Nonprofit Executive NO 31. STATE BUDGET. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Establishes two-year state budget. Sets rules for offsetting new expenditures, and Governor budget cuts in fiscal emergencies. Local governments can alter application of laws governing state-funded programs. Fiscal Impact: Decreased state sales tax revenues of $200 million annually, with corresponding increases of funding to local governments. Other, potentially more significant changes in state and local budgets, depending on future decisions by public officials. YES NO 32. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY PAYROLL DEDUCTION. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Prohibits unions from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use prohibition to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Prohibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. Prohibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees. Fiscal Impact: Increased costs to state and local government, potentially exceeding $1 million annually, to implement and enforce the measure’s requirements. YES NO UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE 22nd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Vote for One OTTO LEE Party Preference: DEM Navy Commander/Businessman DEVIN G. NUNES Party Preference: REP U.S. Representative/Farmer VOTE BOTH SIDES FRONT Card 4 RptPct 126-10 "0000126" English FR 024-004 33. AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES. PRICES BASED ON DRIVER’S HISTORY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Changes current law to allow insurance companies to set prices based on whether the driver previously carried auto insurance with any insurance company. Allows proportional discount for drivers with some prior coverage. Allows increased cost for drivers without history of continuous coverage. Fiscal Impact: Probably no significant fiscal effect on state insurance premium tax revenues. YES NO 34. DEATH PENALTY. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Repeals death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to existing death sentences. Directs $100 million to law enforcement agencies for investigations of homicide and rape cases. Fiscal Impact: Ongoing state and county criminal justice savings of about $130 million annually within a few years, which could vary by tens of millions of dollars. One-time state costs of $100 million for local law enforcement grants. YES NO 35. HUMAN TRAFFICKING. PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Increases prison sentences and fines for human trafficking convictions. Requires convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders. Requires registered sex offenders to disclose Internet activities and identities. Fiscal Impact: Costs of a few million dollars annually to state and local governments for addressing human trafficking offenses. Potential increased annual fine revenue of a similar amount, dedicated primarily for human trafficking victims. YES NO 37. GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS. LABELING. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Requires labeling of food sold to consumers made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. Prohibits marketing such food, or other processed food, as “natural.” Provides exemptions. Fiscal Impact: Increased annual state costs from a few hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million to regulate the labeling of genetically engineered foods. Additional, but likely not significant, governmental costs to address violations under the measure. YES YES YES NO CITY F. CITY OF FRESNO CHARTER AMENDMENT MEASURE F FISCAL MANAGEMENT Shall the Charter be amended to require Council to establish: a policy for managing City reserves; a policy for issuing and managing debts with Controller certification on the reliability of funds for debt repayment; and a policy establishing a due diligence process for evaluating requests by the private sector for City financial assistance that exceeds one million dollars? NO 39. TAX TREATMENT FOR MULTISTATE BUSINESSES. CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUNDING. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Requires multistate businesses to pay income taxes based on percentage of their sales in California. Dedicates revenues for five years to clean/efficient energy projects. Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues of $1 billion annually, with half of the revenues over the next five years spent on energy efficiency projects. Of the remaining revenues, a significant portion likely would be spent on schools. YES NO NO 40. REDISTRICTING. STATE SENATE DISTRICTS. REFERENDUM. A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, new State Senate districts drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission. If rejected, districts will be adjusted by officials supervised by the California Supreme Court. Fiscal Impact: Approving the referendum would have no fiscal impact on the state and local governments. Rejecting the referendum would result in a one-time cost of about $1 million to the state and counties. YES NO COUNTY NO 36. THREE STRIKES LAW. REPEAT FELONY OFFENDERS. PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Revises law to impose life sentence only when new felony conviction is serious or violent. May authorize re-sentencing if third strike conviction was not serious or violent. Fiscal Impact: Ongoing state correctional savings of around $70 million annually, with even greater savings (up to $90 million) over the next couple of decades. These savings could vary significantly depending on future state actions. YES 38. TAX TO FUND EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Increases taxes on earnings using sliding scale, for twelve years. Revenues go to K-12 schools and early childhood programs, and for four years to repaying state debt. Fiscal Impact: Increased state tax revenues for 12 years-roughly $10 billion annually in initial years, tending to grow over time. Funds used for schools, child care, and preschool, as well as providing savings on state debt payments. B. FRESNO COUNTY LIBRARY TAX MEASURE B Fresno County Libraries Protection Measure: To protect libraries from state budget cuts by preventing library closures and reduced library hours; keeping qualified librarians; improving reading/literacy, job search programs/computer technology; providing neighborhood school-library joint programs, and maintaining services for children, seniors and the blind, shall Fresno County voters continue the voterapproved 1/8-cent sales tax for neighborhood libraries for sixteen years, with audits, citizens' oversight, all funds staying in Fresno County and no tax rate increase? YES NO O. FRESNO COUNTY MEASURE O Shall Fresno County Charter, Section 13, be amended to allow the County to employ independent contractors for services performed by County employees by majority vote of the Board of Supervisors and to read: SECTION 13: Notwithstanding Section 44 of this Charter or other provisions of law, the County may employ independent contractors to perform any County service, including service then being performed by County employees, with three affirmative votes of the Board of Supervisors? YES NO VOTE BOTH SIDES BACK Card 4 RptPct 126-10 "0000126" English FR 024-005 BOLETA OFICIAL ELECCIÓN GENERAL PRESIDENCIAL CONSOLIDADA 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2012, CONDADO DE FRESNO SAMPLE BALLOT INSTRUCCIONES PARA LOS ELECTORES: al lado del nombre de su preferencia. 1. Para que su voto sea contado llene completamente el óvalo 2. Si usted marca su boleta por equivocación o necesita la boleta en Español, favor de llamar a la Oficina de la Registradora de Electores del Condado de Fresno: (559) 600-8683 o pregunte al oficial de su urna electoral. VOTE EN AMBOS LADOS VOTE DE ESTA MANERA: Puestos nominados por los Partidos La etiqueta del partido que acompaña al nombre de un candidato para un puesto nominado por el partido en la boleta de las elecciones generales significa que el candidato es el nominado oficial del partido mostrado. FEDERAL PRESIDENTE Y VICEPRESIDENTE Vote por un partido GARY JOHNSON (Presidente) JAMES P. GRAY (Vicepresidente) ROSEANNE BARR (Presidente) CINDY SHEEHAN (Vicepresidente) LIB PF BARACK OBAMA (Presidente) JOSEPH BIDEN (Vicepresidente) DEM JILL STEIN (Presidente) CHERI HONKALA (Vicepresidente) GRN ASAMBLEÍSTA DEL ESTADO PROPUESTAS SOMETIDA A LOS ELECTORES MIEMBRO DE LA ASAMBLEA DEL ESTADO DISTRITO 23 Vote por Uno ESTADO 30. IMPUESTOS TEMPORALES PARA FINANCIAR LA EDUCACIÓN. FINANCIAMIENTO BOB WHALEN Preferencia Partido: REP GARANTIZADO PARA LA SEGURIDAD PÚBLICA Fiscal/Concejal LOCAL. ENMIENDA CONSTITUCIONAL POR JIM PATTERSON Preferencia Partido: REP INICIATIVA. Aumenta los impuestos sobre ingresos Empresario/Ejecutivo de Medios de Comunicación mayores de $250,000 durante siete años y el impuesto sobre las ventas en ¼ de centavo durante cuatro años para financiar escuelas. Garantiza el NO-PARTIDARIOS financiamiento para la realineación de la seguridad ESCOLAR pública. Impacto fiscal: Aumenta las recaudaciones tributarias estatales hasta 2018-19, con un promedio DISTRITO DEL INSTITUTO anual de unos $6,000 millones en los próximos años. DE LA COMUNIDAD DE STATE CENTER Recaudaciones disponibles para financiar el FIDEICOMISARIO presupuesto estatal. No se producirían reducciones ÁREA FIDEICOMISARIA NO. 7 de gastos planeadas, principalmente para programas Vote por Uno de educación, en 2012-13. SI RICHARD CAGLIA Empresario/Fideicomisario de Colegio KEVIN HALL Director Ejecutivo/Empresario Voto Escrito THOMAS HOEFLING (Presidente) ROBERT ORNELAS (Vicepresidente) MITT ROMNEY (Presidente) PAUL RYAN (Vicepresidente) AI REP Voto Escrito Puestos Nominados por los Votantes y no Partidistas Todos los votantes, sin importar la preferencia de partido que hayan revelado al inscribirse, o su negativa de revelar una preferencia de partido, pueden votar por cualquier candidato a un puesto nominado por los votantes o no partidista. La preferencia del partido, si la hubiera, designada por un candidato a un puesto nominado por los votantes, es seleccionada por el candidato y se muestra solo para la información de los votantes. No implica que el candidato esté nominado ni ratificado por el partido ni que el partido apruebe al candidato. La preferencia de partido, si la hubiera, de un candidato por un puesto no partidista, no aparece en la boleta. GEORGE WHITMAN Prestamista de Propiedad Comercial DANIEL HARRISON Economista/Maestro de Música KEN TRAPP Maestro Jubilado JANET RYAN Fideicomisaria/Educadora CAROLE BLOMGREN Agente de Seguros Voto Escrito DISTRITO DISTRITO DE RIEGO DE FRESNO MIEMBRO DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DIVISIÓN NO. 5, TERMINO CORTO Vote por Uno MIKE KILIJIAN Empresario JERALD REBENSDORF Titular por Nombramiento GREGORY H. BEBERIAN Agricultor Orgánico/Empresario FEDERAL SENADOR DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Vote por Uno SI NO 32. CONTRIBUCIONES POLÍTICAS POR DEDUCCIONES DE NÓMINA. CONTRIBUCIONES A CANDIDATOS. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Prohíbe el uso de fondos deducidos de la nómina para fines políticos por parte de los sindicatos. Aplica la misma prohibición de uso a las deducciones de nómina, si las hay, a las corporaciones o los contratistas del gobierno. Prohíbe las contribuciones sindicales y corporativas a candidatos y sus comités. Prohíbe las contribuciones de los contratistas del gobierno a funcionarios electos o a sus comités. Impacto fiscal: Aumento de costos para los gobiernos estatal y locales, potencialmente en exceso de $1 millón anuales, para implementar y hacer cumplir los requisitos de la medida. Voto Escrito DIANNE FEINSTEIN Preferencia Partido: DEM ELIZABETH EMKEN Preferencia Partido: REP Senadora de Estados Unidos DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNIFICADO DE FRESNO FIDEICOMISARIO ÁREA FIDEICOMISARIA NO. 6 Vote por Uno NO 31. PRESUPUESTO ESTATAL. GOBIERNOS ESTATAL Y LOCALES. ENMIENDA CONSTITUCIONAL Y LEY POR INICIATIVA. Establece un presupuesto del estado cada dos años. Establece reglas para compensar nuevos gastos y recortes del presupuesto por parte del Gobernador ante emergencias fiscales. Los gobiernos locales pueden modificar la aplicación de las leyes que gobiernan los programas financiados por el estado. Impacto fiscal: Reducción en las recaudaciones tributarias estatales de $200 millones anuales, con los correspondientes aumentos de financiamiento a los gobiernos locales. Otros cambios potencialmente más significativos en los presupuestos estatal y locales, dependiendo de las decisiones futuras de los funcionarios públicos. SI Empresaria/Ejecutiva de Organización Sin Fines de Lucro NO REPRESENTANTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS REPRESENTANTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DISTRITO 22 Vote por Uno OTTO LEE Preferencia Partido: DEM Comandante de la Marina/Empresario DEVIN G. NUNES Preferencia Partido: REP Representante de EE.UU./Agricultor VOTE EN AMBOS LADOS FRONT Card 4 RptPct 126-10 "0000126" Spanish FR 024-006 33. COMPAÑÍAS DE SEGURO DE AUTOMÓVILES. PRECIOS BASADOS EN EL HISTORIAL DE COBERTURA DE SEGURO DEL CONDUCTOR. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Cambia la ley actual para permitir que las compañías de seguro fijen sus precios de acuerdo a si el conductor tuvo antes un seguro de automóvil con cualquier compañía de seguros. Permite un descuento proporcional para conductores con alguna cobertura previa. Permite aumentar el costo para conductores sin historial de cobertura continua. Impacto fiscal: Probablemente sin efecto fiscal significativo sobre las recaudaciones tributarias estatales sobre las primas de seguro. SI NO 34. PENA DE MUERTE. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Deroga la pena de muerte y la reemplaza por cadena perpetua sin posibilidad de libertad condicional. Se aplica retroactivamente a las sentencias de muerte existentes. Asigna $100 millones a las agencias de las fuerzas del orden para investigaciones de casos de homicidio y violación. Impacto fiscal: Ahorros continuos para la justicia penal del estado y los condados de alrededor de $130 millones anuales en unos cuantos años, que podría variar en decenas de millones de dólares. Costos únicos para el estado de $100 millones para subsidios a las fuerzas del orden locales. SI NO 35. TRATA DE PERSONAS. PENAS. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Aumenta las sentencias de prisión y las multas por condenas de trata de personas. Requiere que las personas condenadas por trata de personas se inscriban como infractores sexuales. Requiere que los infractores sexuales registrados divulguen sus actividades e identidades de Internet. Impacto fiscal: Costo de unos cuantos millones de dólares anuales para los gobiernos estatal y locales para procesar las infracciones por trata de personas. Aumento potencial de recaudaciones anuales de monto similar debido a las multas, que se dedicarán principalmente a las víctimas de trata de personas. 38. IMPUESTO PARA FINANCIAR LOS PROGRAMAS DE EDUCACIÓN Y DE NIÑEZ TEMPRANA. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Aumenta los impuestos sobre los ingresos usando una escala gradual por doce años. Las recaudaciones se destinan a escuelas de K-12 y a programas de niñez temprana, y por cuatro años a saldar la deuda estatal. Impacto fiscal: Aumento de las recaudaciones tributarias estatales durante 12 años aproximadamente $10,000 millones anuales en los años iniciales, con tendencia creciente con el tiempo. Los fondos se usan para escuelas, guarderías y preescolares, y también para ahorrar en los pagos de la deuda estatal. SI SI NO 37. ALIMENTOS MODIFICADOS GENÉTICAMENTE. ETIQUETADO. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Requiere el etiquetado de alimentos vendidos a los consumidores fabricados con plantas o animales cuyo material genético fue modificado de maneras especificadas. Prohíbe la comercialización de dichos alimentos o de otros alimentos procesados como “naturales”. Autoriza exenciones. Impacto fiscal: Aumento en los costos anuales para el estado desde unos cuantos cientos de miles de dólares a más de $1 millón para regular el etiquetado de los alimentos modificados genéticamente. Costos adicionales para el gobierno, pero probablemente no significativos, para tratar las violaciones a la medida. SI NO NO NO NO CONDADO NO 36. LEY DE TRES GOLPES. INFRACTORES REINCIDENTES DE DELITOS MAYORES. PENAS. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Modifica la ley para imponer sentencias de cadena perpetua solo cuando la nueva condena es por un delito mayor grave o violento. Puede autorizar una nueva sentencia si la tercera condena no fue por un delito mayor grave o violento. Impacto fiscal: Ahorros continuos para correccionales estatales de unos $70 millones anuales, con ahorros aun mayores (de hasta $90 millones) en el próximo par de décadas. Estos ahorros pueden variar significativamente dependiendo de las acciones futuras del estado. SI 40. REDISTRIBUCIÓN DE DISTRITOS. DISTRITOS DEL SENADO ESTATAL. REFERENDO. Un voto “Sí” aprueba y un voto “No” rechaza los nuevos distritos del Senado estatal establecidos por la Comisión Ciudadana de Redistribución de Distritos. Si se rechaza, los distritos serán establecidos por funcionarios, supervisados por la Corte Suprema de California. Impacto fiscal: Aprobar el referendo no tendría ningún impacto fiscal sobre los gobiernos estatal y locales. Rechazar el referendo resultaría en un costo único para el estado y los condados de alrededor de $1 millón. SI SI NO 39. TRATAMIENTO TRIBUTARIO PARA EMPRESAS MULTIESTATALES. FINANCIAMIENTO PARA ENERGÍA LIMPIA Y EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA. LEY POR INICIATIVA. Requiere que las empresas multiestatales paguen impuestos sobre los ingresos basado en el porcentaje de sus ventas realizadas en California. Dedica ingresos durante cinco años a proyectos de energía limpia/eficiente. Impacto fiscal: Aumenta las recaudaciones estatales en $1000 millones anualmente. La mitad de dichas recaudaciones se gastarán en los próximos cinco años en proyectos de eficiencia energética. Es probable que una porción significativa del resto de las recaudaciones se gaste en escuelas. SI CIUDAD F. INICIATIVA DE LEY F PARA ENMIENDA A LA CARTA CONSTITUTIVA DE LA CIUDAD DE FRESNO ADMINISTRACIÓN FISCAL ¿Debe la Carta Constitutiva ser enmendada para exigir que el Concejo Municipal establezca: una política para administrar las reservas de la Ciudad; una política para emitir y administrar deudas con certificación del Contralor sobre la confiabilidad de los fondos para el pago de la deuda, y una política para establecer el proceso de diligencia debida para evaluar solicitudes del sector privado para asistencia financiera de la Ciudad que exceda un millón de dólares? B. INICIATIVA DE LEY B DEL IMPUESTO PARA BIBLIOTECAS DEL CONDADO DE FRESNO Iniciativa de Ley de Protección de Bibliotecas del Condado de Fresno: A fin de proteger a las bibliotecas de recortes presupuestarios estatales previniendo cierres de bibliotecas y reducción de las horas de la biblioteca; manteniendo bibliotecarios calificados; mejorando la lectura/alfabetización, programas de búsqueda de empleo/tecnología de computadoras; proveyendo programas conjuntos de escuela-biblioteca del vecindario y manteniendo servicios para niños, personas mayores y ciegos, ¿deben los electores del Condado de Fresno continuar con el impuesto sobre las ventas de 1/8 de centavo aprobado por los electores para las bibliotecas del vecindario por dieciséis años, con auditorías, supervisión ciudadana, que todos los fondos permanezcan en el Condado de Fresno y sin ningún aumento de la tasa impositiva? SI NO O. INICIATIVA DE LEY O DEL CONDADO DE FRESNO ¿Debe enmendarse la Sección 13, de la Carta Constitutiva del Condado de Fresno, para permitir que el Condado emplee a contratistas independientes para servicios realizados por los empleados del Condado por voto mayoritario de la Junta de Supervisores y que rece: SECCIÓN 13: No obstante la Sección 44 de esta Carta Constitutiva u otras disposiciones legales, el Condado puede emplear a contratistas independientes para realizar cualquier servicio del Condado, incluyendo el servicio que fuera realizado por empleados del Condado, con tres votos afirmativos de la Junta de Supervisores? SI NO VOTE EN AMBOS LADOS BACK Card 4 RptPct 126-10 "0000126" Spanish FR 024-007 FR 024-008 01-12 You can contact the Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters at (559) 600-VOTE or visit our web site at www.co.fresno.ca.us/elections for polling place and a wealth of other information. *If you choose to opt out of receiving a Sample Ballot in future elections, submit your request at www.co.fresno.ca.us/elections GET YOUR FUTURE SAMPLE BALLOT PAMPHLET ONLNE! *You can verify which districts you are registered in by logging in at: www.co.fresno.ca.us/findmydistrict * Your political districts such as congressional, state senate and assembly, supervisorial, city council and other special districts may have changed based on population shifts that have occurred. 15 Special Districts went from voting at-large to voting by specific trustee areas. * CHECK THE BACK OF THIS SAMPLE BALLOT BOOKLET FOR YOUR CURRENT VOTING LOCATION. Every 10 years political district boundries are adjusted to take into account population changes that have occurred over the preceding decade. * REDISTRICTING MAY HAVE CHANGED WHERE YOU VOTE! VOTER ALERT FR 024-009 FP-4 Existing Charter language to be deleted is in strikeout type. New Charter language proposed to be added is underlined. THE TEXT OF THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL IS PRINTED AS FILED WITH THE FRESNO COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE This pamphlet does not contain a complete list of candidates. A complete list of candidates appears on the sample ballot. Each candidate’s statement in this pamphlet is volunteered by the candidate and is printed at his or her expense. ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF OR IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED LAWS ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS together with BALLOT MEASURES, ANALYSES, ARGUMENTS AND STATEMENT OF GROUNDS The following pages contain VOTER’S PAMPHLET FR 024-010 CS-1255-1 OTTO LEE Occupation: Commander, US Navy Reserves; Iraq War Veteran; Patent Attorney AGE: 45 Congress is broken, and America is still at war. Our federal deficit is out of control, and Congress cut funding for Veterans. I will not let that stand. I am running to end the partisan bickering in Washington, and bring Republicans and Democrats together to get our country back on the right track. As a fiscal conservative mayor and councilman, I earned the reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder. I have passed eight balanced budgets, and turned a $14 million deficit into a surplus. I’ve brought business and labor together to create thousands of jobs. We need real bipartisan solutions to the Valley’s water crisis that will meet our farmers’ needs. I’ll make cutting government waste and inefficiency - and increasing accountability a top priority. I’ll fight for middle-class tax cuts, protect our seniors and veterans and never cut social security or Medicare. I’ll fight to stop college tuition hikes. My grandfather retired from the US Navy after serving during WWII, and came to California. He inspired me to join the Navy 22 years ago after graduating from University of California. I served boots-on-the-ground as Chief of Iraq Drawdown Material Disposition, was awarded the Bronze Star and am honored to be part of this historical accomplishment, bringing our troops home. I’ll stand up for the Valley’s needs and put people back to work by taking on powerful, corporate special interests in Washington. I respectfully ask for your vote. www.ottoforcongress.com STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT #22 FR 024-011 CS-1335-1 JIM PATTERSON Occupation: Local Business Owner/Broadcast Executive Summa cum Laude Graduate, California State University, Fresno; Local Businessman and Broadcaster, Mayor of Fresno, 1993-2001 I’m running for the Assembly because I seek to be part of the solution, much like I did when I was Fresno’s Mayor. When I became Mayor, crime was out of control and our economy was stagnant. Graffiti and gangs were on the rise and businesses were leaving town. Many said it was hopeless. I knew hard work and dedication could make a difference. I believed I could use my business experience to make government more efficient and effective. Working together, we added 300 new police officers, doubling the size of the force without raising taxes. Crime dropped to a 25-year low. Homicides and car thefts dropped by 70%. Insurance companies even lowered rates for auto insurance in Fresno. We balanced Fresno’s budget and left office with a $20 million surplus and a AAA credit rating. In my last two years, we issued over a billion dollars in new building permits, creating thousands of new jobs! Fresno was recognized as an All America City. I request your vote because I believe we can achieve the same type of success in Sacramento by applying common sense ideas to our problems. I‘ll focus on creating jobs in our community by fostering a climate that welcomes business investment to the Valley. I’ll be as tough on crime as I was when I was Mayor. My wife, Sharon, and I have raised three children here and we now have two grandchildren. It’s time to turn California around for them, you, and your family. www.jimpatterson.com STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT NO. 23 BOB WHALEN Occupation: Fresno County Prosecutor/Councilman The Fresno Bee said it best about my qualifications: “[Bob] Whalen brings strong credentials . . . the ability to bring people together . . . we recommend [Bob] Whalen for Assembly.” My proven record of fighting for more jobs has earned me the support of the Clovis and Greater Area Fresno Chambers of Commerce. For example, while Mayor of Clovis, I opposed a sales tax hike, reduced local fees and supported tax rebates to attract new jobs to our region. Taxpayers can count on me to bring fiscal discipline and budget leadership to the State Capitol. I voluntarily cut my own Council pay before asking city employees to reduce their pay, and today, Clovis has a 12% surplus. I’ve made tough decisions on the Council and I’ll do the same in Sacramento. Farmers are backing me because I’ll give them first priority for water rights as well as push for more conveyance and water storage facilities. As a Fresno County Deputy District Attorney, I’ve incarcerated dozens of hardened criminals. I strongly oppose the early release of violent criminals, fully support the death penalty and I’ll resist any changes to Three Strikes, You’re Out. Additionally, I also have the endorsements of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry plus the support of the Clovis and Fresno City Firefighters Associations. Most important to me, I’ve been married to my wife, Nancy, for twenty years and we’re the proud parents of Jackie Mae and our goddaughter Octavia. Visit www.bobwhalen.com. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT NO. 23 FR 024-012 CS-3049-1 KEVIN HALL Occupation: Executive Director/Businessman A proven community leader, I will expose waste and fraud while investing in our classrooms. Education bureaucracy is too large and our students and instructors are paying the price. Our tax dollars must reach classrooms first to keep the doors open and to support our best teachers. Thriving community colleges can create the skilled workforce that will grow our valley’s economy and create jobs for Fresno’s young people. With my diverse experience working as a small business owner, serving valley agriculture by publishing local farm magazines, working with healthcare and education workforces, and leading several local non-profit efforts, I will bring strong business and leadership skills to our Community College Board. As the director of a coalition of more than 70 valley organizations working to clean our air, generate green jobs, and create healthy communities, I know from firsthand experience that students educated in a vibrant community college system are essential to Fresno’s future success. I am committed to making our community colleges an engine of our valley’s economic recovery. Protect your tax dollars, support education, reform bureaucracy: vote for new leadership on our Community College Board. I would appreciate your vote. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER FOR STATE CENTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 7 RICHARD CAGLIA For the past four years I have worked diligently to assure the quality of educational services and programs at the colleges State Center Community College (SCCCD) serves, including Fresno City College, remain at the highest level of excellence. In addition, despite drastic cuts to community college funding, SCCCD remains financially sound as I have been a strong proponent of conservative fiscal management and reduced spending. California’s financial future is uncertain…now, more than ever before, SCCCD needs strong, stable leadership. My background in running a familyowned business has served the district well in that I understand the importance of maintaining a balanced budget while providing excellent services. I will continue to champion for student access and quality programs while at the same time encourage the exploration new funding sources including industry partnerships, grants and fundraising. I will continue to advocate for more distance education and online learning to increase access for students that may not otherwise be able to attend. The Valley’s only hope for an economic turnaround is education. I was born here...this is my home. I am committed to our colleges and our valley and that is why I am asking for your vote. Thank you. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER FOR STATE CENTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 7 FR 024-013 CS-3217-1 GEORGE WHITMAN Occupation: Commercial Property Lender BS-Marketing CSUF 1972 Have been an independent businessman 1978-present Fresno Unified is in crisis. The dropout rate is 30% as per FUSD or 50% as per a November 2011 Fresno Bee article. Our teachers are dissatisfied and the public is kept in the dark about how the District operates. The board hired two PR people from Philadelphia to replace one person who is now Chief of Staff for Superintendent Hansen. Shouldn’t we hire deserving Californians? The direction of the district has to change. We need to have open communication with all stakeholders! We can lower the dropout rate dramatically by focusing additional resources on K-3. If students don’t have a basic foundation, they will not succeed later in school and life. Re-emphasize Vocational Education. Students are leaving school as they reject the present forced college track; they see no benefit for them as they aren’t going to college. Give them a reason to attend. They will stay if they know they will learn skills that allow them employment upon graduation. Employers need qualified, trained people; students win, the economy wins. We can improve the schools with your support, please honor me with your vote. For more details: www.gwforschoolboard.com STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 6 CAROLE BLOMGREN Occupation: Insurance Agent I’m a native of Fresno, married for 29 years with three children, all of whom attend(ed) FUSD schools. Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly concerned about Hoover and its feeder schools, and not just for my son. For several years running, Hoover has been an under- performing school. While the graduation rate district-wide has increased modestly, Hoover’s rate keeps dropping. It is no coincidence Hoover has the highest truancy rate of any high school in FUSD. Yes, these are challenges, but they can be overcome if we challenge the status quo. During the incumbent’s time in office, little progress has been realized. Addressing the dropout problem demands a more comprehensive approach emphasizing career technical education. Instead, we’ve seen FUSD forfeit millions of dollars for career training. The problems facing FUSD will require more than mere dollars. It’s time to put the students first, period. Not when, not if. This will require engaging the community, not shutting it out as the current board and administration are doing. As District 6 Trustee, I’ll work to make each school in FUSD a place students want to attend, teachers want to teach at and parents aren’t looking for ways to avoid. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 6 JANET RYAN Occupation: Trustee/Educator I am running for school board because I believe the greatest responsibility we have is to provide the young people of our community with a quality education. Every student in Fresno Unified should graduate from school with the skills he or she needs to achieve success and contribute to our society in a positive way. To reach that goal, our school district needs to offer a high quality learning environment, up to date facilities, great teachers, and meaningful opportunities for parental involvement. These are my top priorities. As your school board member, I also believe it is my duty to ensure that Fresno Unified manages its budget properly and puts resources where they are needed most – in the classroom and at our school sites. These are the investments that will bring the greatest results. In addition, the district must also provide more vocational and career education options for students to reduce drop-out rates. I am proud of the fact that 2 of my children and 4 of my grandchildren have graduated from Fresno Unified schools and I am committed to ensuring that every student in the district has the same opportunity to succeed. I would be honored by your vote. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 6 FR 024-014 CS-7215-1 GREGORY H. BEBERIAN Occupation: Organic Farmer/Businessman AGE: 48 The life blood of our valley is the availability of clean and abundant water. I am committed to this goal by supporting a four-part policy of safety, conservation, underground storage, and securing future water supplies. As an organic raisin farmer, I am committed to agriculture and understand current water demands. I believe that we need to focus district resources on securing future water sources and banking water in underground storage. Funds which are designated for water purchases should not be transferred to other district accounts. Construction projects that enhance water delivery and storage should be given top priority. I will focus my energy on the long overdue process of cleaning our canals of trash, adding fencing to the open canal system in highly populated areas, and creating walking trails and green open spaces as existing canals are relocated underground. I support a partnership between our water district, schools and local government that would educate our children on canal safety and conservation. My policies will help ensure the availability of abundant and safe water for our community and its prosperity. It will be a privilege to be your representative and your vote is greatly appreciated. STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, FRESNO IRRIGATION DIVISION #5 FR 024-015 PR-9050-1 Section 1. Title and Summary This Ordinance shall be known as the “Fresno County Public Library Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance.” If approved by the voters, this Ordinance will impose a successor transactions and use tax, which will be the same as the current tax (which expires Mar. 31, 2013), to be applicable in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of the County, the proceeds of which are to be used exclusively for public library operations, programs, acquisitions and library construction within the County. Such revenues shall be used only to supplement existing funding for public libraries and shall not be used to supplant existing funding for the support of public libraries. Section 2. Submission to the Voters; Voter Approval; Operative Date. This Ordinance is an ordinance calling for or otherwise relating to an election, and shall therefore take effect immediately upon adoption by this Board. The provisions of this Ordinance are to be submitted to the voters of the County for approval in order that the successor transactions and use tax can become operative, as provided by Revenue and Taxation Code section 7286.59. The tax submitted to the voters by this Ordinance will therefore take effect only if at least two-thirds of the electors voting on the measure at the November 6, 2012 election vote in favor of the measure. If approved by the voters, the provisions of this Ordinance authorizing the levy of the one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) transactions and use tax will become operative on the later of April 1, 2013 or the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of the State Board of Equalization contract in accordance with Section 5 of this Ordinance. Section 3. Provisions of Fresno County Ordinance Code Regarding Public Library Transactions and Use Tax. Effective on the date the successor tax becomes operative under Section 2 of this Ordinance, Sections 4.20.010 and 4.20.110 of Chapter 4.20 of Title 4 of the Fresno County Ordinance Code are amended to read as follows: Section 4.20.010. Purpose. This chapter is adopted to achieve the following, among other, purposes and directs that its provisions are interpreted to accomplish those purposes: A. To impose a one-eighth of 1 percent (0.125%) retail transactions and use tax according to the provisions of Part 1.6 (commencing with section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as specifically authorized by section 7286.59 of Chapter 2.98 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; FULL TEXT OF MEASURE Fresno County Libraries Protection Measure B: To protect libraries from state budget cuts by preventing library closures and reduced library hours; keeping qualified librarians; improving reading/literacy, job search programs/computer technology; providing neighborhood school-library joint programs, and maintaining services for children, seniors and the blind, shall Fresno County voters continue the voter-approved 1/8-cent sales tax for neighborhood libraries for sixteen years, with audits, citizens’ oversight, all funds staying in Fresno County and no tax rate increase?” YES OR NO COUNTY OF FRESNO FRESNO COUNTY LIBRARIES PROTECTION MEASURE MEASURE B B. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance which incorporates provisions identical to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those provisions are consistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; C. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance which imposes a tax and provides a measure for it that the State Board of Equalization can administer and collect in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to, and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative procedures followed by the State Board of Equalization in administering and collecting the California Sales and Use Taxes; D. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance which can be administered in a manner which, to the greatest degree possible, will be consistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, will reduce the cost of collecting the transactions and use taxes and simultaneously will reduce the burden of record keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this chapter. E. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that provides funding for public library operations, programs, acquisitions and library construction within the County of Fresno. Such revenues shall be used only to supplement existing expenditures for public libraries and shall not be used to supplant existing funding for the support of public libraries. For the purposes of this chapter, “existing funding” from the County of Fresno for the support of the Fresno County Free Library shall be defined as the contribution made from the County General Fund during the 1998-1999 fiscal year, adjusted annually based on the annual increase of the Consumer Price Index – Urban, beginning April 1 of 2013 and services provided to the Fresno County Free Library, at no cost, by other County departments as of April 1, 1999. Section 4.20.110. Use of the Taxes. A. The proceeds of any and all transactions and use taxes collected under this chapter shall be used exclusively for public library operations, programs, construction, and acquisition, within the County of Fresno. Such revenues shall be used only to supplement existing expenditures for public libraries and shall not be used to supplant existing funding for the support of public libraries. B. There are two public library entities within this County: the Fresno County Free Library, a dependent special district of the County, organized pursuant to Education Code section 19100 et seq., and the Coalinga-Huron Library District, an independent special district, organized pursuant to Education Code section 18300 et seq. (hereinafter collectively “the Libraries”). The Libraries shall share the total transactions and use tax revenues collected Countywide. Their respective shares shall be determined by their proportions of the total population of the County, as certified on or before June 1, 2012, June 1, 2016, June 1 2020, and June 1, 2024 by the State Librarian, pursuant to Education Code section 18021. C. The proportions as of the June 1, 2012 certification shall be used from the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter through June 30, 2016. The proportions as of the June 1, 2016 certification shall be used from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020. The proportions as of the June 1, 2020 certification shall be used from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024. The proportions as of the June 1, 2024 certification shall be used through the end of the tax. If Education Code section 18021 is repealed or amended so as to delete the State Librarian’s responsibility to certify population, the Libraries shall agree on an alternate source for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 determinations of their respective shares of Countywide population. FR 024-016 PR-9050-2 D. If Education Code section 18021 is repealed or amended so as to delete the State Librarian’s responsibility to certify population, the Libraries shall agree on an alternate source for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 determinations of their respective shares of Countywide population. Section 4. Expenditure Plan. After the reimbursement of the County for the cost of the election pursuant to Section 6 of this Ordinance and for any fee charged by the State Board of Equalization for preparing to administer the tax pursuant to Section 5 of this Ordinance, the specific projects for which the revenues from the transactions and use tax will be expended as follows: 1. Preserving existing libraries, and continuing the current open hours, and increasing open hours further where possible at branches operated by the Fresno County Free Library and the Coalinga-Huron Library District; 2. Keeping qualified librarians; maintaining services for children, seniors and the blind; continuing reading clubs for children and teens to encourage reading and improve literacy programs; 3. Strengthening education at our local schools and offering young people afterschool and weekend programs, providing them with a safe alternative to joining gangs; 4. Continuing to replace worn and out-of-date books and materials, and continuing to add new books and other materials as needed by the Fresno County Free Library and the Coalinga-Huron Library District to serve their residents; 5. Continuing the current programs and services, and expanding programs and services further, for children, teens and adults at the Fresno County Free Library and the Coalinga-Huron Library District; 6. Continuing the locally funded literacy services at the Fresno County Free Library; 7. Continuing to implement or improve technologies to deliver efficient programs and services that are of benefit to the residents of the County; 8. Maintaining local public libraries throughout the County; 9. Constructing new libraries or remodeling and expanding existing libraries throughout the County; 10. Paying ongoing administrative expenses of the State Board of Equalization and the County’s election expenses for another successor tax, if one is placed on the ballot. Section 5. Contract with State. Before April 1, 2013, the County will contract with the State Board of Equalization to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of this transactions and use tax Ordinance; provided, that if the County has not contracted with the State Board of Equalization before April 1, 2013, it will nevertheless reach such an agreement, with the operative date of the contract being the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of the contract. The Libraries will reimburse the County from the revenues of the tax for any separate fee charged by the State Board of Equalization for preparing to administer the tax, according to their initial proportions of total Countywide population as set forth in Section 3 above. The County Librarian is hereby authorized and directed, without further action by the Board of Supervisors, to execute any and all contracts and other documents which may be required by the State Board of Equalization in regard to the administration of the tax by the State Board of Equalization, which authority and direction shall continue as long as the State Board of Equalization has any duties in regard to the tax. At each location the specific hours open each day would be determined in consultation with community library staff and schedules will be flexible to meet community needs as they change 2. Service to Children, Teens and Seniors. Specific services in this area will continue to include in-library story hours for preschoolers and toddlers; school age programs; visits to classrooms, particularly annual visits to kindergarten classes; group visits from schools; coordination with teachers at all locations; Family Place sites; coordination of technology to improve service to children and teens; bookmobile service to senior centers; homework help; in-library reading activities for teens and teen outreach activities promoting reading to community centers; and enhanced library material collections for children, teens and seniors. 3. Literacy Services. Literacy services in Fresno County will continue with local funding from this tax measure. Until fiscal year 2010-11, Library-based literacy services in Fresno County were partially funded under the California Library Literacy Services program. Through the literacy programs, such as English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL), 1. Branch Hours of Service. Continue to more than double the hours of service from 1996-97, offering over 70,000 hours per year. The hours at each location would continue, as in the past, to be based on population, use, and number of community-based activities. At this level of access, library service would continue to accommodate multiple types of programs for children; convenient open hours of access for all customers; literacy activities; programs for teens, adults, and seniors; bookmobile hours to visit senior centers in the county; and activities in support of independent learning particularly in support of job training. Computers with high-speed access to the Internet, the Library’s catalog and research tools, plus desktop productivity software will be available in all locations. Section 6. Election Costs. Payment for the costs of the election shall be the responsibility of the County. If the election is successful, the Libraries will reimburse the County for these costs from the revenues of the tax, according to their initial proportions of total Countywide population as set forth in Section 3 above. Section 7. Implementing Policies and Regulations. Upon approval of this Ordinance by two-thirds of the voters voting on the measure, the Libraries may adopt policies and regulations and take such other action consistent with this Ordinance as may be necessary for the implementation of the one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) transactions and use tax authorized by this Ordinance. Section 8. Termination Date. This Ordinance will terminate on the later of March 31, 2029, or 16 years after the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of the State Board of Equalization contract in accordance with Section 5 of this Ordinance. Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. Operational Service Delivery Plan 2013-2029 FR 024-017 PR-9050-3 adult literacy, and family literacy, the Library will continue to add more books to collections, recruit and train volunteer tutors, provide one-to-one tutoring for adults in reading, writing, spelling and basic math, and help parents with low levels of literacy to nurture a love of reading and learning in their children. 4. Library Book and Materials Collections. The service plan will acquire books and other materials at a level eight times that of 1996-97 local funding. These new books and materials will replace current items that are old, worn or out-of-date. Sufficient quantities of materials will be added to keep pace with the growing population and to particularly focus on children, teens and seniors in our service area. The Library will continue to offer innovative programs and services that capitalize on the latest trends and technologies in libraries including bestseller collections, e-books, online downloadables, music, movies, etc. Materials will support self-directed learning, provide curriculum support that aligns with local public schools thereby helping to strengthen education, and will reflect the popular interests of the Fresno County communities. 5. Library Facilities Maintenance and Operations. To operate and maintain the current 34 library buildings and two bookmobiles at the doubled hours of operation, appropriations for services, the increase in supplies and maintenance staff will continue. The Library owns 22 buildings; while critical deferred maintenance issues were addressed in the first years of Measure B, other projects loom including regular re-carpeting and painting and ADA accommodations and earthquake safety modifications. For the leased facilities (12), rental rates have generally been so low that owners cannot make needed improvements and still receive a positive return. 6. New and Remodeled Libraries. Over the last several years the Library has become the defacto community center in many areas in Fresno County. It is considered a safe place for children and families and is seen as providing an alternative to joining gangs for our young people. Remodeling and new facility projects will be conducted with the goal of achieving a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, with comfortable seating, infrastructure for current and emerging technologies, meeting rooms and quiet rooms, areas specifically designed for teens and children, and programming spaces. Staff workspaces will be designed to maximize efficiencies. Sales tax funding will help to begin meeting the needs identified in the Long Term Facilities Plan adopted by your Board in February 2003. Matching local funds will ensure that sufficient funds are available for a maximum number of projects and to capture any state or federal funding which may become available. 7. New and Replacement Equipment. New and replacement equipment will be purchased to house, preserve and secure collections. Special emphasis will be placed on equipment which improves the productivity of staff. 8. Technology. Access to technology continues to be an important issue for the customers of Fresno County. Funding will allow staff to research and learn new technologies and translate that knowledge into staff efficiencies and improved or new services and programs for the public, including group and one-on-one workshops, online tutorials and high-speed access to the Internet. The proceeds from this tax could only be used for public library purposes, and could only be used to supplement, not supplant, existing funding or services for the support of public libraries. The specific expenditure plan in the ordinance calls for the following activities: 1. Continuing current open hours; increasing open hours where possible. 2.Continuing current programs and services and expanding them; maintaining services for children, seniors and the blind, reading clubs and after-school and weekend programs for children and teens; continuing literacy services at the County library; 3.Continuing replacing worn or out-of-date books and materials, adding new books, materials; implementing or improving technologies for delivering efficient programs and services; 4.Maintaining, remodeling and expanding existing libraries; constructing new libraries. The tax revenues would be shared by the two public library entities in Fresno County according to their proportions of County population. About 97 percent would go to the Fresno County Free Library, and about 3 percent to the Coalinga-Huron Library District. The ordinance provides that adjustments for any change in population proportions would occur periodically, in 2016, 2020, and 2024. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors recently adopted Ordinance No. 12-011, which would impose a successor tax on the same terms as the existing ordinance, 0.125 percent for 16 years, if two-thirds of the voters voting on the measure approve. With voter approval, the successor tax would become operative April 1, 2013 and expire March 31, 2029. Because the tax would succeed an expiring tax at the same rate, the sales tax rate in Fresno County would not change if the voters approved this tax. In 2004, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors proposed, and the voters approved, a successor special library sales tax at the rate of 0.125 percent for 7 years. This tax became operative April 1, 2006 and will expire on March 31, 2013. In 1998, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors proposed, and the voters approved, a special library sales tax at the rate of 0.125 percent for 7 years. The tax became operative April 1, 1999 and was to expire March 31, 2006. IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY COUNTY COUNSEL State law authorizes a county board of supervisors to propose a special countywide sales tax (“transactions and use tax”) for public library construction, acquisition, programs and operations within the county. The tax proposal may be at the rate of either 0.125 or 0.25 percent for up to 16 years. The board of supervisors may propose a tax in any succeeding period, at either rate, for up to 16 years. The Library will continue to invest in workforce and computer literacy initiatives that utilize technology so county residents are competitive in the job market, can engage and interact through social media, and can seek current information on any topic of interest or need. FR 024-018 PR-9050-4 s/ Vicki Crow, Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Mismanagement during the last few years have some libraries opening less than before, and their Administration wasted $15,000 to create a Mascot they soon scrapped because it frightened children. If County Libraries had to manage on the over $26.5 million from the County Budget, in addition to hundreds of thousands in Grants and donations, they would manage their money more wisely. When supporters first pitched the present Library Sale Tax in 1998, they said they needed more taxes to allow libraries to remain open for more hours, but soon after being approved they added another paid holiday. And last year when County workers went on strike, library employees joined them. Along with the $9.2 Billion State Tax increases, rising State Sales Tax, the expensive High Speed Rail and Water Projects, we cannot afford a local Library Sales Tax for another 16 years, which duplicates the function of our schools. REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT FOR Unemployment and foreclosures are especially high in our area. Higher Sale Taxes hurt the poor and middle class more so than the wealthy. ARGUMENT IN FAVOR The tax revenues would reimburse the County’s election costs and pay fees charged by Since 1998, Fresno libraries have been funded by the voter approved Measure B. the state to administer the tax. Measure B makes up 54% of Fresno County library funding and protects the libraries against the volatility of the State and County budgets. Measure B protects Fresno The Board of Supervisors and the governing board of the Coalinga-Huron Library Dis- County’s urban and rural libraries by keeping the money local and out of the hands of trict would be responsible for specific expenditures of their respective shares of the tax Sacramento politicians. revenues, under general laws governing each entity. The Citizens Review Panel already Measure B allows our local libraries to continue playing a vital role in educating our established by the Board of Supervisors to monitor County Library expenditures would children, and offering after school and weekend programs that provide a safe alternative continue to do so for the continuing tax. to gangs. Reading clubs, computer access and tutoring programs are just a few of the benefits that Fresno County libraries offer to our families and our children. In addition to s/ Kevin B. Briggs fostering education, Measure B also allows libraries to continue services to our seniors County Counsel and the blind in Fresno County and helps maintain qualified librarians to administer these programs. Without Measure B, libraries will experience shortened hours and library closures. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT State slashed education funding every year makes Measure B even more vital to the This ballot measure is to extend the current Retail Transaction and Use Tax in the education of our children. incorporated and unincorporated as of Fresno County at the rate of one-eighth of oneMeasure B is a voter approved Measure that needs to be continued. Fresno County percent (0.125%), which expires on March 31, 2013. The State Board of Equalization citizens have an opportunity to protect the services provided by libraries and keep these will continue to administer this sales tax if approved by at least two-thirds of the electors funds local by voting YES on Measure B. voting on the measure. Public libraries are one of the few important community centers left that benefit chilThis ordinance will generate approximately thirteen million five hundred thousand dren, families and seniors. This Measure will help make sure that we will continue to ($13,500,000) annually with the growth of this revenue generally following the economic have access to this valuable resource. trends within the local community. s/ Sheriff Margaret Mims The revenue from the Public Library Transactions and Use Tax will be used exclusively for Public Library Services within the County of Fresno. This tax will terminate on March s/ Sally M. Caglia, Business Woman 31, 2029 or sixteen (16) years after the first day of the first calendar quarter following the s/ Jose Flores, Mayor, City of Clovis execution of the State Board of Equalization contract in accordance with the provisions s/ Larry Powell, Superintendent of Schools of the Transaction and Use Tax Ordinance. Fresno County Office of Education FR 024-019 PR-9050-5 s/ Chloe E. Foster, Housewife ARGUMENT AGAINST The County estimates this library sales tax extension will cost the public $13.5 million each year for the next 16 years. Our libraries receive about $40 million yearly when you their Grants and Donations are included. Spending millions on an Institution that is rapidly going the way of the typewriter, newspaper and VHS is wasteful. Fewer and fewer people use the library for researching information or checking out books. To justify more funding, libraries offer many free and non-essential social service programs such as folk dancing, music, entertainment, chess, beading and numerous other activities, which should be paid for by the user and not by the taxpayer. In this highly technical society, libraries for the most part, are becoming obsolete. When was the last time you used the library for it’s intended purpose? There are many ways to better spend $13.5 Million in taxes. At the top of the list is opening our beautiful new Veterans Home in Fresno to provide much needed care and jobs for our deserving citizens, or opening another wing of the county jail to prevent the early release of criminals back into our neighborhoods. As a comparison, the City of Fresno recently spent $11 million for 70 new Fresno apartments for the homeless. Many cannot afford all the planned State tax increases coming soon and struggle to pay their bills, put food on the table and gas in their cars. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay between $120,000 and $160,000 to put this measure back on the ballot again. This money could be used more wisely maintaining parks and keeping our community swimming pools open for our youth. Please vote “NO” against this unnecessary tax. s/ Luis Santana, Executive Director, Reading and Beyond s/ Dr. John Welty, President, California State University, Fresno s/ Blong Xiong, Acting Council President s/ Deborah J. Nankivell, CEO, Fresno Business Council Please protect and maintain one of the cornerstones of our community, Fresno County libraries, by voting yes to renew Measure B. During this time of difficult budget decisions Fresno County citizens decided to fund the library system through a self-imposed 1/8 cent sales tax which is the equivalent to approximately $12 per year for the average citizen. Since then, the library has proven to be a responsible steward of our tax dollars. This measure is more important now since all State funding was eliminated and the Library only receives an average of $200,000 in grants and donations annually. The main purpose of the library, improving child and adult literacy and providing educational resources, is crucial to the future welfare of our communities. Literacy and education are more important today than ever, and studies show early literacy services contribute to economic success for everyone. REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST This new tax calls for more classes in English as a Second Language, yet they don’t The library is the center for seniors, families and others to gather in all our communihave an American Flag for the Pledge of Allegiance in their downtown classroom. ties. Fresno County libraries also offer safe and familiar places for our children. The fundamental function of the library is to bring the community together and to foster the There are no studies or evidence, but only wishful thinking that this library tax will pre- education of our youth. vent gangs. Strong parenting is the solution. In this difficult economy libraries play a key role, offering the unemployed job search Help get America back on track and vote “NO” because there are more important ways programs and resume writing classes. Young struggling families use the library for comto spend our tax dollars. puter access and training. In fact, since the economic downturn, Fresno libraries have had an increase of more than one million visitors. Regardless of the economy, the library s/ Chloe E. Foster, Housewife is always there for everyone. FR 024-020 s/ Carol Fiorentino, Chairman, San Joaquin Valley Taxpayers Association s/ Al Smith, President, Fresno Chamber of Commerce Give our leaders a vital tool needed to create more private sector jobs, turn our economy around, make more money available for public safety, reduce costs to taxpayers, and make Fresno County the best possible place to live and work. Vote “YES” on Measure “O” Measure “O” will solve the problem by allowing cost-saving decisions to be made by a majority vote. The current county Charter makes it much easier for special interests to work against the best interests of the taxpayers and homeowners. REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT FOR PR-9051-1 s/ Henry R. Perea, Fresno County Supervisor. ARGUMENT IN FAVOR Vote No on O. Do not allow your tax dollars to leave Fresno Country Fresno County faces great challenges from high unemployment, a weak economy, decreased revenues and skyrocketing pension costs. We are all interested in creating The Country Charter currently requires four votes to privatize any Fresno County sermore private sector jobs and turning our economy around. vice. This super majority vote ensures that smart business decisions are made with your tax dollars. You are being asked to reduce this four-vote requirement to three. On FebruWhat will the passage of Measure “O” do? ary 8, 2011, three supervisors attempted to privatize the County’s security operations. Measure “O” will: After the facts were presented, we found that it would have cost the County an additional $1 million to privatize this service. One million dollars is the cost of ten deputy sheriffs! If • Create more private sector jobs to serve the County’s needs while this irresponsible decision would have been made with three votes, our Sheriff’s Department could have lost ten deputy sheriffs or started the process of closing yet another improving the economy. • Make more money available for public safety to keep violent criminals jail floor. This could have affected public safety in your neighborhood and is a prime example as to why we need to require a super majority vote for privatization. in jail where they belong. • Reduce the size of government while becoming more efficient, less Privatization is a serious decision to make. That is why the voters were wise in 1976 to costly, and eliminating waste. require four of the five votes to make a privatization decision. This protects your tax dol• Allow a competitive, transparent bidding process and lead to lars and protects public safety and other vital County service. considerable savings while offering accountability. • Reduce the power of vested special interest groups and prevent Vote No on O. backroom deals. s/ KEVIN B. BRIGGS County Counsel This proposal would amend Section 13 to require the vote of only three supervisors to s/ Manuel Cunha Jr., President, Nisei Farmers League approve such a contract. s/ Debbie Poochigian, Chairman, Fresno County Board of Supervisors Existing Section 13 of the County Charter, added in 1976, permits the Board of Supervisors to employ independent contractors for any county service at any time they are of the opinion that the best interest of the county would be served thereby, taking all factors involved into consideration including the efficiency of the service to be obtained and the cost. An exception exists for services performed by elective officers and their staff whose offices are required by statute or charter. Existing Section 13 requires that, in the event the proposed contract is for a type of service then being performed by county employees as distinct from a new type of service, the contract requires the approval of four supervisors instead of the three usually required to approve contracts. IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY COUNTY COUNSEL Tough choices have resulted in a downsized workforce, balanced budgets, a rainy day fund, reduced salary levels, reorganized departments, and reforms to the retirement system that will yield significant future pension savings. Shall Fresno County Charter, Section 13, be amended to allow the County to employ independent contractors for services performed by County employees by majority vote of the Board of Supervisors and to read: SECTION 13: Nothwithstanding Section 44 of this Charter or other provisions of law, the County may employ independent contractors to perform any County service, including service then being performed by County employees, with three affirmative votes of the Board of Supervisors. YES OR NO While we are making progress, we must continue to look for innovative ways to save money and get more for our tax dollars. Fresno County has many outstanding, hardworking employees, and many services are appropriately performed by county personnel. However, if some services can be provided more economically and efficiently, it’s essential to explore ways to save. COUNTY OF FRESNO AMENDMENT TO FRESNO COUNTY CHARTER SECTION 13 MEASURE O FR 024-021 VOTE “YES” ON MEASURE “O” Vote No on O. Reducing the number of votes required to hand out million dollar plus contracts is bad business! Out-of-town contractors taking profits out of Fresno County Potential influence from campaign contributors Hard-working employees losing their jobs to political whim Hidden cots including lawsuits for contract problems Costly contract supervision and lack of performance evaluation Reduction in service to the public and time and money to reverse bad decisions 1) 2) 3) Local Vendor Preferences Fair and Open Competition Fair Competitive Bidding Requirements The concerns raised by the opponents of Measure “O” are untrue. Fresno County already has numerous private contracts worth millions of dollars under the existing Fresno County policies which address: Passage of Measure “O” can accomplish the above with a simple majority vote. PR-9051-2 Carol Fiorentino, Chairman San Joaquin Valley Taxpayers Association Ron Barsamian, Past-Chairman Clovis Chamber of Commerce Now 3 supervisors want to control millions of tax payer dollars by giving themselves the POWER to hand over lucrative government contracts to profit-making entities Excerpt from the Fresno County Purchasing Manual - Chapter 6, page 4, Section A who will then control the level and quality of service to the public. A few people or corporations will make BIG PROFITS while hundreds of county attorneys, jani“… if the lowest responsible bidder is a local vendor as defined in this tors, security officers, clerical workers and others lose their jobs. Your elected repsection, and if so, the contract shall be awarded to the local vendor.” resentatives will have less direct control and less ability to demand accountability after contracts are signed. VOTE “YES” ON MEASURE “O” Vote No on Measure O! s/ Susan B. Anderson, Fresno County Supervisor Give us the vital tools needed to make Fresno County the best possible place to live and work. s/ Dr. David M. Hadden, Fresno County Coroner s/ Jose R. Villarreal, Retired Public Defender Linda Halderman, M.D. Phil Larson s/ Henry R. Perea, Fresno County Supervisor Assemblymember Fresno County Supervisor s/ Burton Francis, Private Practice Attorney, Retired Sr. Deputy District Attorney • • • • • • In 1976, 64% of voters approved a county charter amendment that required 4 votes MEASURE “O” WILL: of the Board of Supervisors to approve private contracts for work being performed by • Create more local private sector jobs to serve the County’s needs while imcounty workers. This level of approval has worked well for Fresno County for 36 years. proving the local economy. Now 3 members of the Board want voters to CHANGE the charter so that only 3 votes • Make more money available for public safety to keep violent criminals in jail are required to approve these contracts. where they belong. Giving lucrative government contracts to privately controlled companies is serious busi• Reduce the size of government while becoming more efficient, less costly, ness representing MILLIONS OF DOLLARS that come directly from taxes and fees for and eliminating waste. services. • Allow a competitive, transparent bidding process and lead to considerable savings while offering accountability. Private contracts make sense for some services; but we need a careful level of review • Reduce the power of vested special interest groups and prevent backroom when that happens. The County has hundreds of private contracts. In fact, most are deals. approved with 5 votes. Reducing approval to 3 votes increases the risk of: REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST ARGUMENT AGAINST FR 024-022 PR-9045-1 s/JAMES C. SANCHEZ CITY ATTORNEY THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE F. IF YOU DESIRE A COPY OF THE MEASURE, PLEASE CALL THE ELECTIONS OFFICIAL’S OFFICE AT 559-600-8683 AND A COPY WILL BE MAILED AT NO COST TO YOU. Under existing Charter Section 1212, Council shall establish the “Unappropriated Reserve Fund” for meeting unforeseen contingencies and emergencies in amounts established by Council. Use of this Fund requires a supermajority vote (an affirmative vote of at least five members) of Council. While Council has adopted the Reserve Management Act, Debt Management Policies, and Better Business Act, the existing Charter does not require the City to have such policies in place for managing City reserves or debts, or for evaluating and/or approving requests by the private sector for City financial assistance. This measure, if adopted, would amend Charter Section 1212 by requiring Council to establish a specific reserve management policy for meeting City debt obligations, by addressing methods to control future spending, enhance the City’s credit rating, and establish reserve policies on various funds. Amendments to this policy will require a supermajority vote of Council. This measure would also add Charter Section 1214, to require Council to establish a policy for issuing and managing City debts. The City Controller shall, by certification, identify the specific funding source and its reliability for debt repayment. A supermajority vote of Council will be required to amend this policy, or authorize debts not in the annual budget. This measure would also add Charter Section 1215, to require Council to establish a policy for conducting due diligence when evaluating private sector requests for City financial assistance over one million dollars. This policy will not apply to City initiated requests for proposals. A supermajority vote of Council will be required to amend this policy, or to approve the financial assistance. IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS FISCAL MANAGEMENT. Shall the Charter be amended to require Council to establish: a policy for managing City reserves; a policy for issuing and managing debts with Controller certification on the reliability of funds for debt repayment; and a policy establishing a due diligence process for evaluating requests by the private sector for City financial assistance that exceeds one million dollars? YES or NO CITY OF FRESNO MEASURE F TO AMEND THE CHARTER RELATING TO FISCAL MANAGEMENT FR 024-023 VSN Other Services Accessible Voting Equipment is available at every polling place on Election Day that allows voters with disabilities to vote independently and privately. Vote in Person 29 Days before the Election You can come in to the County Clerk/Elections Department, located at 2221 Kern Street, Fresno and vote in person at the office or obtain a ballot and take it home. Permanent Vote by Mail Voting or One-Time Voting by Mail Use the application on the back cover and apply by the deadline for a vote by mail ballot to be mailed to you for this one election or for all future elections. To arrange for this service, it is important that the voter call the Elections Department at (559) 600-1620 to coordinate a time and place on Election Day where the poll worker will meet the voter. Or, if the curbside voter has someone with them, that person may enter the polling place and request the curbside voting service. Curbside Voting Any voter may request to vote at an accessible place as near as possible to the polling place, including the voter’s car. The poll worker will qualify the person to vote, and return the voted ballot to the polling place. Accessible Polling Places On the back cover of your Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet it indicates if the polling place where you are assigned to vote is accessible to voters with disabilities. Mitigation measures such as temporary thresholds, ramps, signage, cones, and door props, are used to improve access to the facility. You may also consider the following options: SERVICES FOR VOTERS WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS MILITARY and OVERSEAS VOTERS Can Now Access Their Ballot on the Web Simply submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) available at www.FVAP.gov or any embassy or consulate and indicate you want to receive your ballot online (Box 6). Any U.S. citizen who is a member of the Uniformed Services, or Merchant Marines (on active duty) and their eligible dependents or U.S. citizens residing outside the United States may request to receive their ballot online Your ballot at your fingertips... anywhere in the world FR 024-024 REMOVE THIS STRIP BEFORE MAILING DESPEGUE ESTA TIRA ANTES DE ENVIAR POR CORREO SEPÁRESE AQUÍ ▼ ▼ SEPARATE HERE From: (Remitente:) Before Mailing, Sign Application on Reverse Antes de Enviar la Solicitud por Correo Fírmela al Reverso FRESNO COUNTY CLERK REGISTRAR OF VOTERS 2221 KERN ST FRESNO CA 93721-2600 PLACE FIRST CLASS POSTAGE HERE COLOQUE UNA ESTAMPILLA DE PRIMERA CLASE AQUÍ FRESNO COUNTY CLERK/REGISTRAR OF VOTERS 2221 KERN ST • FRESNO CA 93721-2600 ▼ SEPARATE HERE SEPÁRESE AQUI ▼ CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE YOUR POLLING PLACE PAID SU SITIO DE VOTACION FRESNO, CA PERMIT NO. 1287 If you are a Permanent Vote by Mail Voter, do not return this application. No regrese está aplicación si usted es un votante Permanente que Vota por Correo. POSTMASTER DELIVER TO APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE ELECTIONS OFFICE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. on: OCTOBER 30, 2012 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE A LOS MINUSVÁLIDOS ESTA SOLICITUD DEBE SER RECIBIDA EN LA AGENCIA DEL OFICIAL DEL REGISTRO CIVIL/EMPADRONADOR DE ELECTORES DEL CONDADO DE FRESNO A MÁS TARDAR PARA LAS 5:00 DE LA TARDE DE LA FECHA: 30 DE OCTUBRE DEL 2012 Yo soy EL ELECTOR/LA ELECTORA NOMBRADO/A ARRIBA y solicito por ésta una boleta de elector de voto por correo para NOVEMBER 6, 2012,CONSOLIDATED PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION EL 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2012 ELECCIÓN PRESIDENCIAL CONSOLIDADA MUST BE COMPLETED IN VOTERS OWN HANDWRITING. EL ELECTOR MISMO DEBE DE COMPLETAR EN SU PROPIA ESCRITURA. PRINT MAILING ADDRESS if different from your address above. SEPÁRESE AQUI ▲ APPLICATION FOR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT SOLICITUD DE BOLETA DE ELECTOR DE VOTO POR CORREO I am the VOTER NAMED ABOVE and I request a vote by mail ballot for the: Address: (Dirección:) City: (Ciudad:) State: (Estado:) Zip: (Código postal:) ELECTOR DE VOTO POR CORREO PERMANENTE – La Ley del Estado ahora permite que cualquier elector que lo solicite se convierta en Elector de Voto por Correo Permanente. Si usted marca para indicar que sí, se le enviará automáticamente una boleta de elector de voto por correo para elecciones futuras. Pero, si usted deja de votar en dos elecciones generales estatales, perderá la condición de Elector de Voto por Correo Permanente, y tendrá que solicitarla de nuevo. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el particular, llame al teléfono (559) 600-8683. ▲ SEPARATE HERE CON LETRA DE MOLDE su dirección de correo si es diferente a la de arriba. PERMANENT VOTE BY MAIL VOTER – State Law now allows any voter who so requests to be a Permanent Vote by Mail Voter. If you check the box, a vote by mail ballot will automatically be sent to you for future elections. Failure to vote in two consecutive statewide general elections will cancel your Permanent Vote by Mail Voter Status and you will need to reapply. If you have questions concerning voting by Vote by Mail Ballot, telephone (559) 600-8683. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE FRESNO COUNTY CLERK/REGISTRAR OF VOTERS: (559) 600-8683 I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Yo declaro bajo pena de perjurio bajo las leyes del Estado de California que lo siguiente es cierto y correcto. SIGNATURE OF VOTER NAMED ABOVE: FIRMA DEL ELECTOR/DE LA ELECTORA CUYO NOMBRE CONSTA ARRIBA: PARA MÁS INFORMES, FAVOR DE LLAMAR A LA AGENCIA DEL OFICIAL DEL REGISTRO CIVIL/EMPADRONADOR DE ELECTORES DEL CONDADO DE FRESNO: (559) 600-8683 ➧ PERMANENT VOTE BY MAIL VOTER ❏ ELECTOR DE VOTO POR CORREO PERMANENTE ❏ Check here to become a Permanent Vote by Mail Voter. Marque usted aquí para convertirse en Elector de Voto por Correo Permanente. 000 000 INTERNET - www.co.fresno.ca.us
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