County prepares to consider slate of charter reforms, including boost to number of terms supes can serve

The chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, joined by a coalition of civic, business, labor and other leaders, led a call Wednesday for reform of the county charter.

Terra Lawson-Remer, who appeared with the group at the County Administration Center, is proposing adding an independent seven-member ethics commission, nonpartisan budget analyst and independent program auditor while establishing consistent term limits for all county elected offices, including the sheriff and district attorney.

The latter proposal, however, includes a provision that would extend the two-term limit for the Board of Supervisors to three. In a news release, Lawson-Remer’s office said that would align with the three-term, 12-year limits for state legislators. 

There is a major caveat though – state law needs to be amended to grant officials the authority to apply term limits to other county offices, which include the treasurer-tax collector and assessor/recorder/county clerk. Those offices, along with the law enforcement posts, do not have term limits.

Supervisors will vote on April 21 to decide whether to allow voters to consider the proposed package. Under California law, only voters can adopt or amend charter provisions. If approved, the full reform package would go to a public vote in November.

“Today, local governments, especially county governments, are being asked to fill gaps in the social safety net created by failures of leadership at the federal level,” said Kyra Greene, executive director of the Center on Policy Initiatives and one of the speakers Wednesday. “That’s why now more than ever, San Diegans should be doing everything we can to protect and strengthen local democratic institutions.”

The intention of the reforms, proponents said, is to “strengthen accountability, transparency, stability, checks and balances, independent oversight and effective government.” The proposed changes would be required to be added in a “revenue-neutral” manner, meaning without requiring new spending or forcing a reduction in services.

“San Diego County’s governance structure has not kept pace with its size and complexity,” former San Diego City Manager Jack McGrory said. “Charter reform will strengthen transparency, accountability and ethics at the county. I appreciate the board’s courage in partnering with community leaders to champion reforms that will make a real difference for the residents of San Diego County.”

Lawson-Remer said actions taken by the Trump administration prompted the push for greater transparency and accountability. Community leaders, however, said it has been a long time coming.

“Civic and business leaders have talked about the need of having clearer oversight in such a large county for many years,” business owner Mel Katz said.

Groups that represent first responders also expressed their support.

“Firefighters adapt as conditions change – longer fire seasons, new risks, growing communities. County governance should adapt too,” John Clark, president of the San Diego County Firefighters Local 2881, said in a statement. “Clear accountability and modern oversight help ensure resources are used effectively to keep people safe.”  

San Diego County’s charter has not been significantly updated since 1978, though voters approved the two-term limit provision for supervisors in 2010.

“I am so honored to work with such a diverse group of community leaders to hopefully bring a thoughtful set of charter reform proposals to the voters for consideration,” Lawson-Remer said. “These are thoughtful, visionary and share a commitment to accountability, transparency and change that will benefit everyone.”

If approved, the package put before voters includes the creation of a Charter Reform Implementation Task Force to guide the slate of changes during a two-year period.

City News Service contributed to this report.