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Mailbag

November 04, 2006
(Page 3 of 3)

The proposed preamble to the revised charter reads in part, "We the people of the city of Burbank, in order to exercise the benefits of home rule, and establish a responsive, effective and accountable government…. "

Would allowing the council to make appointments, under the section, truly help to create a responsive, effective and accountable government? I think not.

Similar arguments can be made with regard to provisions to change:

1. The fourth-fifths vote required for budget and appropriations adoption to three-fifths vote.

2. Change the city clerk, who is charged with certifying elections, from an elected official to one appointed by the city manager, who is appointed by the council.

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3. Change the city treasurer from an elected official to one appointed by the city manager, who is appointed by the council.

The city clerk and city treasurer provide a series of checks and balances on the power of the City Council and the city manager. For these and other reasons, I am against putting the Charter Review Committee's recommendations on the ballot as a single item.

RICHARD L. HINSON

Burbank

 

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