Subject: Community General Plan Initiative and Rancho San Juan Referendum

December 4, 2006

Supervisor Jerry Smith, Chair
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
168 West Alisal
Salinas, CA 93901

Dear Chair Smith and Members of the Board of Supervisors:

The Leagues of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula and the Salinas Valley are disheartened by the Board of Supervisors’ failure to set election dates for the Community General Plan Initiative and Rancho San Juan Referendum. Denying the public a chance to vote on these issues is a flagrant violation of the right of citizens to petition their government. The proponents of the two recent initiative or referendum attempts have followed the law as stated by the County Elections office and further, in the judgment of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In a democratic society ruled by laws, not by men, it is just and right that the people be allowed to vote on these issues.

The Board continues to expend thousands of dollars of public funds finding ways to thwart public involvement. The County not only relies on County Counsel for legal representation, it employs outside counsel at significant costs to the taxpayers. It is further likely that the County will be required by the Courts to pay the legal fees of the proponents of these petitions. At a time when public services for health and safety are on the block, it is incomprehensible that the Board continues to squander public resources and the public trust.

Our Leagues have been steadfast in expressing concerns about the process. We urge the Board to set a special election as soon as possible so voters can have an opportunity to vote on these important land use decisions. At the same time, in an effort to begin to rebuild public trust, we urge the Board to delay final approval of the fourth version of the General Plan and EIR until after a vote of the people on the two petitions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Maxner, President                              MaryEllen Dick, President
LWV of the Monterey Peninsula                       LWV of the Salinas Valley