Kylie Mendonca’s report, and those comments of several other residents and voters of San Luis Obispo, show real problems with city Measure E-08 (“No residency? No problem,” Oct. 9). The measure further states in the voter sample ballot that “non-registered voters” can also be appointed.
Why should any non-registered voter be allowed on any city committee, board, or commission? This measure should be re-written and should also state that contract employees, or part- or full-time officials and management, should not be allowed to serve.
At least two-thirds of Cal Poly students probably live in the San Luis Obispo city limits, and I cannot imagine that any committee requiring their participation would go unfilled. In the rare case of a specialized person required to serve, such as an arborist, etc., they could serve as a non-voting or ex officio member.
Councilman Allen K. Settle’s comments regarding institutional safeguards in place to protect residency requirements shows how ridiculous his views are, since he is in violation by living outside the city limits. We should not trust this, or any other council, to make law through handbooks and bylaws when the City Charter certainly trumps any minor rules.
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2008.
