August 07, 2024

City Clerk Calls for Argument Writers for Three November 2024 Ballot Measures

The City of Long Beach is seeking argument writers for two potential City Charter amendments, and one Tax Measure to be placed on the November 5, 2024, ballot. Those interested in writing arguments for or against the approved measures may submit an interest form to the Office of the City Clerk now through 4:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024. A separate form must be submitted for each ballot measure. Interest forms may be submitted via email to cityclerk@longbeach.gov or at 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Lobby Level, Window 12.

The two Charter amendments include:

Amending the City’s Charter to combine the Civil Service and Human Resources Departments into one unified department to manage all employee recruitment, hiring, and certifications; and establish an independent Civil Service Employee Rights and Appeals Commission to resolve complaints regarding Civil Service rules, to adjudicate classified employee disciplinary appeals; and to implement classified hiring preferences for Long Beach residents, students from local colleges and universities, current employees, and certain internships/apprenticeships; and

Amending the Charter to reduce Harbor and Public Utilities Commissioner terms to four years, transfer authority over Harbor Department employment and personnel matters from the Board of Harbor Commissioners to the Department’s Chief Executive Officer, excepting a Board-appointed Chief Operating Officer, Executive Officer to the Board, and Board staff, and increasing penalties for violations of Harbor Department rules from $500 to $1000, and changing the Harbor budget approval date.

The Tax Measure include:

To maintain general city services, including 911 response; firefighter/paramedic; pothole/street repairs; improve storm drains; afterschool programs; senior services; parks; libraries; public health; and homeless services, by eliminating the exemption for electrical corporations/government agencies using gas to make electricity and applying Long Beach’s existing 5% gas utility user tax to said corporations/agencies, generating approximately $15,000,000 annually until ended by voters, requiring audits, spending disclosure, and all funds used locally.

Argument writers are designated by the Mayor, with approval of the City Council. The City Council will vote on those nominations at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Those selected as argument writers are required to submit direct arguments for or against the ballot measures by Friday, August 16, 2024, while rebuttal arguments are due by Monday, August 26, 2024.

For more information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk, at (562) 570-6101. Media inquiries may be directed to the Office of the City Clerk at CityClerk@longbeach.gov.