HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Charter Review Prop 10 Amend. By Charter Review & County Council Nov 3 2015 General Election-Passed Delete pgs 12,13&40AU270090A
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PROCEDURE �tL
Filing a Proposed Ballot Measure for Inclusion in
Election
(AUDITOR'S OFFICE — Elections)
This procedure applies to Auditor's Staff, the Prosecuting Attorney, the Assessor's Office, and
representatives of the cities and districts submitting A proposed ballot measure.
Actions by Cities and Representative of Districts:
1. Submits proposed ballot measure (considered ballot title) together with an explanatory
statement prepared by legal counsel to Auditor's Office. Must be submitted at least 46 days
prior to the election date for a special election, no later than the Friday immediately before
the first day of regular candidate filing for the primary election, or no later than the day of the
primary for a general election.
Actions by Election Clerk:
2. If received by mail or courier (e.g., Fourth Corner Network), date stamps Ballot Measure
Cover Sheet and the first page of the resolution. Gives to Office Coordinator to complete
steps 3-7.
3. If received over the counter, date stamps Ballot Measure Cover Sheet and the first page of
the resolution.
1V Checks that:
• the Ballot Measure Cover Sheet (FRM #AU270090F) is attached and complete,
the resolution contains original signatures by a majority of commissioners or other
legislative body or is a certified copy by the clerk,
the date of the election is stated in the resolution, and
the explanatory statement is included if for a primary or general election.
4A. If packet not complete, returns packet to submitter to obtain missing information.
Process stops here.
1V Prepares Ballot Measure Receipt (See FRM #AU470090A). Makes a copy for file and
gives original to filer. (Note: Fill in ballot measure name only — no references to resolution
number.)
%6. If for primary or general election, provides voter pamphlet information packet to submitter.
�7. Gives all materials to Office Coordinator.
Actions by Office Coordinator:
$. Creates ballot measure file folder and staples this procedure to front of folder to be used as
a checklist.
Ensures front staff completed and applied initials for Steps 2-7 above.
(�fk 7Files
receipt if submitted by mail.
copy of ballot measure receipt and original documents submitted in the file folder.
s to see that explanatory statement word count was not exceeded. If it is, advises
Auditor.y I
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Filing Proposed Ballot Measures for Inclusion in Election (cont.)
�I^
13. Gives file to Auditor or designee
Actions by Auditor or designee:
14. If the word count of the explanatory statement is exceeded, contacts submitter to remedy.
15. Reviews validation requirements based on infor submitted or by consulting with
submitter, what the passage requirem re, and under which RCW they are submitting
the measure, if applicable.
16. Puts a copy of valid information in the file and marks the passage requirement on the
folder in red.
17. Discus with submitter requested order if more than one ballot title is to be submitted.
Ar'signs ballot measure number (sequential numbering for each special purpose or taxing
district).* Number formula = <<yyyy - #».
19. Reviews ballot title and headings for capitalization and punctuation.
20. Using green ink edits suggested corrections; initials changes; makes -same, markings on
set to go to PA and -Assessor.
_
21. Returns file to Office Coordinator.
Actions by Office Coordinator:
If the ballot title is submitted by the County or a district:
22. Prepares transmittal letter to the Prosecuting Attorney to review a ballot title (as defined in
RCW 29A.36.071) and prepares the concise description, if cessary, allowing 7 days for
processing.. (See FRM #AU470090B — Prosecuting A emo)
23. Makes photocopy of resolution, validation figure i applicable), and ballot measure cover
sheet. Attaches to Prosecuting Attorney's nsmittal letter.
NOTE: If ballot title submitted by a y, no review by the Prosecuting Attorney is
necessary.
24. Prepares transmitt:ends
l leA�sing
ssessor to review if there are taxing or funding implications,
allowing 7 days forproto obtain their review. (See FRM #AU470090C — Assessor
Ballot Title Letter - to Janice Judge)
25. Makes photo.goy of resolution, validation figures (if applicable), and ballot measure cover
sheet. Attarthes to Assessor's transmittal letter.
26. ObtyKs signature on transmittal letters and puts copies in folder.
27 and delivers packet to PA and Assessor.
28. Returns folder to file rack
Actions by Prosecuting Attorn
29. Reviews text of ballotla4e and headings of ballot measure.
30. Discusses withzgbmitter or counsel for submitter and recommends any changes, if any.
31. Sends smittal letter to Auditor's Office with ballot title and headings to be used. (REF
#A 0090A — Response from Prosecuting Attorney)
Actions by Assess�ry� ffice:
32. Reviews su rrSisslon.
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fff Amended 4/24/15
Filing Proposed Ballot Measures for Inclusion in Election (cont.)
y 3. Provides feedback to Auditor's office or sends return memo. (See REF #AU570090B —
�� Sample Memo from Assessor)
>DateStamps
ce Coord' or:
3I r from PA and places in the folder. Date stamps return memo from
places in the folder.
3itor.
Actions by Auditor: _
36. Reviews ')allot title and headings and Assessor feedback.
37. vas to Office Coordinator to prepare letter to the submitter.
Actions by Office Coordinator:
38. Prepares letter (FRM #AU470090D etter to District re Approved Ballot Title) to the
submitter and responsible offici the district outlining the ballot title and heading to be
used.
39. Obtains Auditor signa e.
40. Scans signed le rand sends via email to District Contact Person 1 and District Contact
Person 2 fro he Ballot Measure Cover Sheet. Sends copies of letter to other interested
parties w have requested to be included by regular mail, fax or email upon request.
41. Co letes Certificate of Distribution (FRM #AU470090E — Certificate of Distribution),
aples to inside file folder, and prints out email transmittal.
2. Places in file.
43. Gives file to Election Coordinator.
Actions by Election Coordinator:
44. Enters ballot measure, explanatory statement, Committee For & Committee Against
statements, and rebuttals in ballot measure template and in WEI.
45. Sets up ballot measure in EIMS.
46. Gives ballot title to ballot preparer for inclusion on ballot (unless court appeal is made of
ballot title)
46A. If court appeal, ballot preparer waits for court resolution (may design a placeholder in
the meantime).
47. Submits court ordered title to ballot preparer prior to preparation deadline.
*Naming Convention for Ballot Measure:
Line 1: Jurisdiction
Line 2: Proposition # (yyyy-#)
Line 3: Subject of Measure/Proposition
Other additional lines as needed.
I:\Policies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\PRO Filing proposed ballot meas docx Page 3
Amended 4/24/15
�C,O M CD
Official Canvass of the General Election for
Whatcom County Council
Whatcom County, Washington
Held Tuesday, November 3, 2015
State of Washington )
County of Whatcom )
The undersigned, being the officers designated by law as constituting the Whatcom County
Canvassing Board, have completed the canvass of votes as it pertains to the General Election held
November 3, 2015, within the boundaries of Whatcom County, State of Washington.
Proposition 10, proposed by the Whatcom County Council, concerned voting thresholds to place
charter amendments on the ballot. The measure would amend Whatcom County Charter Sections
8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the Council or the Charter Review
Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or Commission in order to be placed on the
ballot.
Based on the criteria for passage which was supplied by the district, the measure Passed.
WITNESS our hand and seal this 24th day of November 2015-
Whatcom County Canvassing Board
na Bradrick, Chief Deputy Auditor
Royce Bu
uty Prosecuting Attorney
arry,Bur hanan, Council Member, County Legislative Authority
a-[ Cc,
s� CO: [ .
V' t0UAlTr '.
S T -k ^® r
1r .
Whatcom
WHATCOM 20151103 E
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 6
Under Votes: 4,592
Over Votes: 18
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 7
Under Votes: 4,271
Over Votes: 29
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 8
Under Votes: 7,487
Over Votes: 31
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 9
Under Votes: 3,550
Over Votes: 30
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 10
Under Votes: 4,771
Over Votes: 18
APPROVED
REJECTED
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Under Votes: 7,810
Over Votes: 18
Jack Louws
Joy Gilfilen
Write -In
COUNTY DIST 1 POS B
Under Votes: 5,202
Over Votes: 7
Todd Donovan
Bruce Ayers
34,643 61.29%
21,883 38.71%
Total 56,526
39,430 69.38%
17,406 30.62%
Total 56,836
24,869 46.38%
28,749 53.62%
Total 53,618
31,096 54.03%
26,460 45.97%
Total 57,556
29,584 52.50%
26,763 47.50%
Total 56,347
37,319 70.01%
15,734 29.52%
255 0.48%
Total 53,308
30,753 54.99%
25,043 44.78%
Summary Report
November 3, 2015
Page 3 of 20
Whatcom County
Auditor's Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
Phone: (360) 778-5100
Fax: (360) 778-5101
Email: auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us
Internet: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor
November 25, 2015
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
Whatcom County Council
311 Grand Ave., Suite 105
Bellingham, WA 98225
Dear Dana:
�GpM CO
Q' G�
�93N1 NG�0
Debbie Adelstein
County Auditor
Diana Bradrick
Chief Deputy Auditor
Enclosed are copies of the certifications from the November 3, 2015 General Election
pertaining to Propositions 1 - 8 proposed by the Whatcom County Charter Review
Commission, and Propositions 9 and 10 proposed by the Whatcom County Council.
For the Official Election Results and for the Precinct by Precinct Abstract, please refer
to our website at www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call at 778-5130.
Sincerely,
Diana Bradrick
Chief Deputy Auditor
Enclosure
Licensing Recording Elections Administration
Licensing@comhatcom.wa.us Recording@comhatcomma.us Elections@co.whatcomma.us Auditor@comhatcomma.us We gladly accept
360-778-5100 360-778-5100 360-778-5102 360-778-5105 relay calls.
Ballot Measure
1-6
Whatcom County
Proposition No. 10
Amendments by the Charter Review Commission and the County Council
71
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning voting thresholds
to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any
amendment proposed by either the County Council or the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the
Council or the Commission in order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. Should this proposal be:
Approved: Rejected:
Explariptory,Statement: / r' �� %
The current Whjatcom:Caizntyhafter requires that a stmpi majority of the C�iarter,ReyiewCommissior� vote foya prop,�sed
cha r amerrd�ment to, ppeace it'before th��roters. By co parson, sup matority�f t e Co my d'uncil must tefdr a
pr*(e�d charter ntndment pla it b ire tl�ie v rs. If`this am dm, ont pa. es,�e r q�me t of -ate upe7ajon wot�
appltybMb>.eot�ission.an C uh�+I and upe jorit duld be cuffiet for eittf r t>iace a pro Qsedfar�endment
be#ore ters. A "ye vot f tht'S a ndment i in. patible witli "yes" v fe ei er Pro sitia 2 �3.
Statement For:
Please vote to accept Proposition 10. Our County Charter is our local constitution.
In Whatcom County, the State of Washington and the United States of America, we
require a super -majority vote and no higher in order to amend the Constitution or put
a proposed constitutional amendment before the voters. But there's one exception:
amendments proposed by the Charter Review Commission can appear on your ballot
with only a simple majority.
All of the controversial Charter Commission amendments on your ballot passed
with a narrow, partisan majority. There was no effort to gather support, collaborate
across party lines, or consider the impact of proposed amendments on the voters of
Whatcom County. Propositions 1, 2 and 3 are designed to enact minority rule and lock
it in place so that you —the voter —cannot change it in the future. We need to raise our
standards to reduce political gridlock.
If passed this would simply require the Charter Review Commission to operate
by the same rules as the Whatcom County Council, Washington State or the US
Congress. They too would have to have bi-partisan support in order to propose a
change tc our local constitution. Mote to accept Proposition 10!
Statement For prepared by: Fair & Equal Whatcom; Barbara Ryan, Rebecca Boonstra, and
Darrell Hillaire
Statement Against:
If you favor Proposition 2 or Proposition 3, you must Vote No on Proposition 10.
Retain your right to citizen control of the Whatcom County Charter.
This Proposition comes from a partisan County Council that didn't approve of the ballot
measures brought forward by the 2015 Charter Review Commission. Proposition
10 is nothing more than an attempt to undo the work of the Commission by replacing
Propositions 2 and 3. A No vote on Proposition 10 will ensure that you have the
opportunity to see these other Charter Review Commission Propositions carried out.
The Charter Review Commission is the citizen's ability to change the Charter. The
commissioners take input from the public. They debate and vet each suggested change.
Finally, they vote on which changes will be sent to the Whatcom County voters for
approval. With a supermajority vote required, citizens' suggestions for changes have little
chance of being submitted to the voters.
This Proposition would impact the citizen's rights to amend the Whatcom County Charter.
It hinders the Charter Review Commission's ability to make the citizen requested changes
to the Charter. Retain your voice in local government. Vote No on Proposition 10,
Statement Against prepared by: Delaine Clizbe and Dave McCluskey
Rebuttal of
Statement For:
"Home Rule Charter" in Whatcom
County means the voters decided
we would do things differently
than the State. The Charter
Review Commission voted 9-2
on Proposition 3--proving it's not
the narrow margin this partisan
committee describes. Propositions
2 and 3 are written to prevent the
government from usurping any
changes the public makes to the
charter. Don't give away your
power in local government. Vote no
on Proposition 10. Mark reject on
your ballot.
Rebuttal of
Statement Against:
The charter requires a 2/3
majority of the County Council
to recommend changes for voter
approval, the same majority
should be required of the County
Charter Review Commission.
Without this amendment, a
vocal minority is capable of
partisan mischief, unnecessary
changes favoring special interests
without deliberation, debate or
compromise. Vote yes to require a
2/3 majority of the Charter Review
Commission to recommend
changes to our charter.
Statements For, Statements Against. and Rebuttals are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any government agency.
Debbie Adelstein
From: Debbie Adelstein
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 2:12 PM
To: 'barbararyan88@hotmail.com'; 'rebeccaboonstra@gmail.com';
'darrell.salishyouth@gmail.com'
Cc: Dana Brown -Davis
Subject: Committee For Prop. 10 - URGENT
Attachments: prop 10_20150826132035.pdf
Importance: High
It has come to my attention that the ballot title language which your committee was originally given for proposed
Charter Amendment No. 10 was not the final ballot title language that was submitted by the Prosecutor's Office. This
language, together with the proposed explanatory statement and the text amendment, are attached hereto for your
review and consideration. I have obtained an extension on the Local Voters' Pamphlet deadline and your committee will
now have an opportunity to review and re -submit a new "For" statement based on this most current language, if you
choose to. You will also be given an opportunity to submit a new rebuttal statement as well.
The new deadlines are: Committee Statement has 5 days (same as before) and must be in this office by 4:30 p.m.
on Monday, August 31. When both committee statements are in at that time, they will be sent to the opposing
committee for a rebuttal statement which must be in this office by 4:30 on Thursday, September 3.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Debbie Adelstein • Whatcom County Auditor
(360) 778-5105 www.whatcomcount_y.us/auditor
Do you really need to print this email? Think green.
NOTICE: This email and related attachments and any response may be subject to public disclosure under state law.
Debbie Adelstein
From:
Debbie Adelstein
Sent:
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 2:12 PM
To:
'delaine918@gmail.com'; 'bamdad@comcast.net'
Cc:
Dana Brown -Davis
Subject:
Committee Against Prop 10 - URGENT
Attachments:
prop 10_20150826132035.pdf
Importance: High
It has come to my attention that the ballot title language which your committee was originally given for proposed
Charter Amendment No. 10 was not the final ballot title language that was submitted by the Prosecutor's Office. This
language, together with the proposed explanatory statement and the text amendment, are attached hereto for your
review and consideration. I have obtained an extension on the Local Voters' Pamphlet deadline and your committee will
now have an opportunity to review and re -submit a new "Against" statement based on this most current language, if
you choose to. You will also be given an opportunity to submit a new rebuttal statement as well.
The new deadlines are: Committee Statement has 5 days (same as before) and must be in this office by 4:30 p.m.
on Monday, August 31. When both committee statements are in at that time, they will be sent to the opposing
committee for a rebuttal statement which must be in this office by 4:30 on Thursday, September 3.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Debbie Adelstein • Whatcom County Auditor
(360) 778-5105 www.whatcomcounty-us/auditor
Do you really need to print this email? Think green.
NOTICE: This email and related attachments and any response may be subject to public disclosure under state law.
As adopted by the Whatcom County Council: Shall all Charter amendments proposed by
either the Charter Review Commission or the County Council be required to receive a
supermajority vote of the entire membership of the Commission or Council in order to be
placed on the ballot for voters to consider?
Ballot Title:
REDUCING PARTISAN AMENDMENTS THROUGH SUPERMAJORITY AGREEMENT
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning equal standards to submit Charter amendments. This measure would amend
8.21 and 8.23 of the Whatcom County Charter to require any amendment proposed by the
County Council or the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the of the
Commission or Council. If passed, this amendment will supersede Ballot Propositions No. 2
and No. 3. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
EJECTED
Amended Charter Language_
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermajority (ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membership shall be required to file a proposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) of affirmative votes shall be
required supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
clVell"',
LOX
Avil
A'"
.• _ teGMIUMIes
SPONSORED BY: CONSENT
yv% PROPOSED BY: CONSENT
�., INTRODUCTION DATE: JULY 7, 2015
ORDINANCE NO.
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
CHARTER TO REQUIRE A SUPERMA]ORITY OF EITHER THE
ENTIRE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION OR THE COUNTY
COUNCIL TO PROPOSE CHARTER AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Charter requires the Whatcom County
Council to have five affirmative votes in order to propose a Charter
amendment to the voters; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has been
granted the authority in the Whatcom County Charter to propose Charter
amendments to the voters by filing their proposed amendments with the County
Council and having the County Council submit amendments to the voters; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council and the Whatcom County
Charter Review Commission should be held to the same standards in public
participation and in submitting Charter amendments to the voters; and
WHEREAS, achieving a supermajority agreement on proposing Charter
amendments requires a greater effort to set aside partisan agendas and achieve
bipartisan consensus than a simple majority vote; and
WHEREAS, reaching a supermajority agreement means more diverse
opinions are heard, included, and considered; and
WHEREAS, Charter Review Commission amendments have been proposed
with limited or no opportunity for public comment and without broad support,
achieving only a simple majority vote; and
WHEREAS, elected officials should work together for the good of all the
people of Whatcom County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council
that the County Auditor place on the November 2015 general election ballot a
Charter amendment, as outlined in Exhibit A to this ordinance, requiring a
supermajority vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of either the Charter
Review Commission or the Whatcom County Council to submit or propose a
charter amendment to the voters.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that both the Charter Review Commission
and the Whatcom County Council shall be held to the same high percentage of
votes required in order to propose Charter amendments to the voters and
neither body shall be required to achieve a higher or lower threshold than the
other for proposing any Charter amendment to the voters.
ADOPTED this day of
ATTEST:
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
11 2015.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Jack Louws, County Executive
( ) Approved ( ) Denied
Date Signed:_
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 10
AMENDMENTS BY THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure
would amend Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either
the County Council or the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the
Council or the Commission in order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. Should this
proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
Text Amendment:
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters
at the next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and
registration of the amendments. A supermajority ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes
of the entire membership shall be required to file a proposed amendment with the
County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an
ordinance to submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November
general election occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimung of
five (5) affirmative votes s a4 �tFl� supermajorityfive of seven of affirmative
1 f V
votes of the entire membership shall be required to enact such an ordinance. An
ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shalt not be subject to the veto
power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect
amendments to the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered
language moot or obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a
public hearing. (Amended by referendum 1995)
Explanatory Statement:
The current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By
comparison, a supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter
amendment to place it before the voters. If this amendment passes, the requirement of a
supermajority would apply to both Commission and Council and a supermajority would be
sufficient for either to place any proposed amendment before the voters. A "yes" vote for
this amendment is incompatible with a "yes" vote for either Proposition 2 or 3.
Debbie Adelstein
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Daniel Gibson
Monday, August 17, 2015 4:01 PM
Debbie Adelstein
RE: New language
BALLOT PROPOSITIONS - DLG_Rev.docx
Debbie:
Here it is. I had sent it to Satpal this morning since he was the one whose comments prompted me to tweak the
language to address an ambiguity. Since I hadn't heard from him, I called him after receiving your e-mail. He hadn't had
the chance to review it yet but was generally OK with the language and said he'd be back at his desk soon to read the e-
mail with the proposed changes. Anyway, here it is, with the only change from what I submitted before found in the
explanatory statement for Prop 10 on p. 3 of 3 .
From: Debbie Adelstein
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 3:39 PM
To: Daniel Gibson
Subject: New language
Do you have that new language finalized?
Debbie Adelstein • Whatcom County Auditor
(360) 778-7105 www.whatcomcounty.uslauditor
Do you really need to print this email? Think green.
NOTICE: This email and related attachments and any response may be subject to public disclosure under state law.
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 2
LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER
The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the
Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments.
This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from
proposing Charter amendments to previous Charter amendments that have been approved
by a 2/3 majority of voters, except if the Council adopts a proposal for such amendment by
a 7-0 vote. This proposal should be:
APPROVED:
REJECTED:
Text Amendment:
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election
occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes
shall be required to enact such an ordinance a ce t that if a --Previous charter amend -men
w..as_apnroved by -a 213 majority of the voters, then no ordinancg p_[pposing to the voters
further amendment a€ that ma er shali be ado ted exce t b a 7-0 ffirmative vote of the
Council. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be subject to the
veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to
the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or
obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing.
Explanatory Statement:
Currently the County Council may propose Charter amendments if five of seven
councilmembers vote to adopt an ordinance presenting such proposal to the voters. This
amendment proposed by the Charter Review Commission, if adopted, would alter that
requirement where the voters had previously approved an amendment on a matter by at
least a 2/3 majority. New proposals by the Council to further amend the Charter on that
matter could only be presented to the voters if adopted by a unanimous vote of all
councilmembers. A "yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible with a "yes" vote for
�Propositionj------------------------------------------
to
Comment [DG1]: The proposition number
assigned by the Auditorto the Council -proposed
amendment on Charter amendments should be
filled in here.
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 3
LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER'S ELECTION PROVISIONS
The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the
Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments.
This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from
proposing any Charter amendment to Charter Sections 2.12 or 2.13, which pertain to the
method of nominating and electing County Council members, except if the Council adopts a
proposal for such amendment by a 7-0 vote. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED:
REJECTED:
Text Amendment:
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election
occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes
shall be required to enact such an ordinance. No ordinance proposing amendment of any
nrovislon of Sections 2.12 or.2_ of this Charter shall be adopted by the Council e try
a 7-0 affirmative vote. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be
subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to
the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or
obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing.
Explanatory Statement:
Currently the County Council may propose Charter amendments if five of seven
councilmembers vote to adopt an ordinance presenting such proposal to the voters. This
amendment proposed by the Charter Review Commission, if adopted, would change that
requirement when the Council is proposing amendments to Charter Sections 2.12 and 2.13
which address the election of councilmembers. A proposal to amend those particular
sections could only be presented to the voters if the Council adopted such a proposal by a
unanimous vote of all councilmembers. A "yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible
with a "yes" vote for JPropositionj__.
-- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
Comment [DG2]: The proposition number
assigned by the Auditorto the Council -proposed
amendment on Charter amendments should be
filled in here.
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. 7
AMENDMENTS BY THE CHARTER_ REVIEW COMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend
Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the County Council or
the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or the Commission in
order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
Explanatory Statement:
The current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By comparison, a
supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before
the voters. If this amendment passes, the requirement of a supermajority would apply to both
Commission and Council and a supermajority would be sufficient for either to place any proposed
amendment before the voters. -A "yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible with a "yes" vote for
either Proposition 2 or 3.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
County Charter:
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A super rity _(ten of fi een) of affirmative votes of the entire
membeuhip shall be required to file_aorpposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A Fmmnmr..WM f s:ve (5) affirmative votes shall be
required supermajority_[ ve of sgven)_of affirmative votes of the entire membershlo shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
Debbie Adelstein
From:
Daniel Gibson
Sent:
Thursday, August 13, 2015 3:46 PM
To:
Debbie Adelstein
Cc:
David McEachran; Karen Frakes
Subject:
Ballot Title, Explanatory Statements
Attachments:
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO.docx
Debbie:
In light of the concerns you raised (Mr. McEachran and I concur that those are legitimate concerns) about the ballot title
language contained in the Council's proposed Charter amendment regarding Charter amendments, I have in
consultation with Mr. McEachran revised the language of the ballot title in question, and modified the explanatory
statements for this ballot title and for the two Commission -proposed amendments with which it is in conflict. The
explanatory statements for each of these three propositions now make it clear that Props 2 & 3 are incompatible with
this Council -proposed amendment and vice -versa. The language used in each of these explanatory statements is
content -neutral and symmetrical so as to avoid importation of partisan arguments into the ballot title or explanatory
statements. The removal of the language pertaining to the Council proposition superseding the Commission
propositions was ultimately necessary simply because one proposing agency cannot resolve potential conflicts with
measures of another proposing agency in this fashion. In essence that language purported to say that an affirmative
vote for the Council proposition was worth more than an affirmative vote for the Commission's proposition(s), even if
both propositions received a majority of affirmative votes. If there is a conflict between two adopted amendments, that
conflict will necessarily be resolved through a different means. The clear identification through the explanatory
statements of a conflict between the particular proposed amendments should assist the voters and lessen considerably
the likelihood of incompatible adoptions. The revised portions are highlighted in red, and I have noted that the
proposition number assigned to the pertinent Council -proposed amendment will need to be filled in at the end of the
explanatory statements for Props 2 and 3.
Daniel L. Gibson
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office
311 Grand Ave., Suite 201
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360.676.6784; Fax: 360.738.2532
E-mail: dgibsonra;co.whatcom.wa.us
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 2
LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER
The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the
Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments.
This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from
proposing Charter amendments to previous Charter amendments that have been approved
by a 2/3 majority of voters, except if the Council adopts a proposal for such amendment by
a 7-0 vote. This proposal should be:
APPROVED:
REJECTED:
Text Amendment:
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election
occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes
shall be required to enact such an ordinance e�cet that if a prev ous_charter amendment
was anvroved by a 21.3 maiority of the voters, then no Inance ❑roJasina-Lo-th-e-yot_ets
furthQr amendment of that matter shall be adopted except by a 7-0 affirmative vote of the
Council. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be subject to the
veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to
the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or
obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing.
Explanatory Statement:
Currently the County Council may propose Charter amendments if five of seven
councilmembers vote to adopt an ordinance presenting such proposal to the voters. This
amendment proposed by the Charter Review Commission, if adopted, would alter that
requirement where the voters had previously approved an amendment on a matter by at
least a 2/3 majority. New proposals by the Council to further amend the Charter on that
matter could only be presented to the voters if adopted by a unanimous vote of all
councilmembers. A "yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible with a "yes" vote for
JPropositionl__.
._�.� - Comment [DGI]: The proposition number
assigned by the Auditor to the Council -proposed
amendment on Charter amendments should be
filled in here.
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 3
LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER'S ELECTION PROVISIONS
The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the
Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments.
This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from
proposing any Charter amendment to Charter Sections 2.12 or 2.13, which pertain to the
method of nominating and electing County Council members, except if the Council adopts a
proposal for such amendment by a 7-0 vote. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED:
REJECTED:
Text Amendment:
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election
occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes
shall be required to enact such an ordinance. No ordinance proposing amendment of any
orovis#on of SectWns 2.12 or 2.13 of this Charter shall be adopted by the Council xce�by
a 7-0 affiirmatlye vo e. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be
subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to
the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or
obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing.
Explanatory Statement:
Currently the County Council may propose Charter amendments if five of seven
councilmembers vote to adopt an ordinance presenting such proposal to the voters. This
amendment proposed by the Charter Review Commission, if adopted, would change that
requirement when the Council is proposing amendments to Charter Sections 2.12 and 2.13
which address the election of councilmembers. A proposal to amend those particular
sections could only be presented to the voters if the Councll adopted such a proposal by a
unanimous vote of all councilmembers. A "yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible
with a "yes" vote forjProposition�,,,,_,....................................
Comment [DG2]t The proposition number
assigned by the Auditor la the Council -proposed
amendment on Charter amendments should be
filled in here.
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. ?
AMENDMENTS BY THE_QJARTER REVIEW CQMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend
Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the County Council or
the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or the Commission in
order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
Explanatory Statement:
The current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By comparison, a
supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before
the voters. If this amendment passes, a supermajority of both the Commission and the Council would
be required and be sufficient to place any proposed amendment from either body before the voters. A
"yes" vote for this amendment is incompatible with a "yes" vote for either Proposition 2 or 3.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
County Charter:
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermajority (ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membership Shall be re uired to file a nr000sed amendment with the County nil.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A . `Rimum of five (S) affirmative votes shall be
reElUifed supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
Nancv Moore
From: VotersPamphlet
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 5:41 PM
To: Nancy Moore
Subject: FW: 2015 general election ballot measures
Attachments: Explanatory Statements Charter Review from Dan Gibson.docx; Explanatory Statements
for Council from Karen Frakes.docx; Explanatory Statement forjail prop 073115
final.docx
Just the electronic copies —Jessie and I received orig. copies today and should have a folder for each one
From: Jill Nixon
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 3:29 PM
To: Elections
Cc: Dana Brown -Davis
Subject: 2015 general election ballot measures
See attached Word documents for:
Ballot titles, text amendments, and explanatory statements for 8 Charter Review Commission proposed
ballot measures
• Ballot titles, text amendments, and explanatory statements for 2 Council proposed ballot measures
• Ballot title and explanatory statement for jail sales and use tax ballot measure
Jill Nixon
Administrative Clerk
Whatcom County Council Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-676-6690
NOTICE: All emails and attachments sent to and from Whatcom County are public records and may be subject to
disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)
f,4"Z
,5� ," ", 1, . 'r sy4s
yf,
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. 10
AMENDMENTS BY THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend
Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the County Council or
the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or the Commission in
order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. If passed, this amendment would supersede Ballot
Propositions No. 2 and No. 3. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
�� 6Tmrt
TTTte�current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By comparison, a
supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before
the voters. If this amendment passes, a supermajority of both the Commission and the Council would
be required to place any proposed amendment from either body before the voters. If passed, this
amendment would supersede Propositions Nos. 2 and 3. If you favor this amendment, you should vote
against Propositions Nos. 2 and 3. 1, _ 100
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
r County Charter:
r�
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermajority(tenof fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membersh shall be re uired to file a proposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A tint^ votes shall be
Fequired supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the Entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
Whatcom County .1 014 CO
Auditor's Office 3P may{
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 �'sHiN�t°a'
Phone: (360) 676-6742
Fax: (360) 738-4556
Email: elections@co.whatcom.wa.us
Internet: www.whatcomcounty.us./auditor
Ballot Measure Receipt
Date Received:
A �-3 -
Debbie Adelstein
County Auditor
Election Division
Received From: �)�X V�\�vc, be
;
rqaAie- of Presenter and Titl
Name of Organization
Address
_ � I xc*-\O C i7 • LNShe,\ C oM =Lo
Phone Email
Ballot Measure Name:OACANS 4-1— Utt. fU_ QAL41 t;-U
(not resolution number)
The Auditor's Office, Election Division, acknowledges receipt of the above ballot
measure for inclusion in the IC\5 � � cam` Election-
Deputy
Primary or General Elections ONLY- Local Voters' Pamphlet:
If the ballot measure will be on the Primary or General Election ballot, Presenter
acknowledges receipt of the memo packet regarding ballot measure explanatory
statements, appointment of For and Against committees and forms, and
committee statement deadlines and requirements for inclusion in the Local
Voters' Pamphlet.
gvulc;�)61
Presenter's Signature bate
1:\Policies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\FRM RECEIPT for ballot measure.doc Rev. 04/24/15
Name of District.
District Address:
Ballot Measure Cover Sheet F?FCE D
This cover sheet must accompany each ballot measure submitted to 64"akAJ5
County Auditor.
Whatcom County Council VHArcom COUNTY AUD trap
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98229
District Contact Person 1: Carl Weimer, Council Chair
(Name and Title)
Contact Person 1 Phone:
District Contact Person 2:
Contact Person 2 Phone:
306.676.6690 Email: cweimer@co.whatcom.wa.us
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
(Name and Title)
306.676.6690 Email: dbrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
Attorney for District: Karen Frakes
Attorney Phone:
Has vour attorn
306.676.6784
ared this ballot measure?
Email: kfrakes@co.whatcom.wa.us
❑ Yes A No
Type of Election: Whatcom County Charter Amendment
(e.g., Levy, Bond, Levy Lid Lift, etc.)
State the Pass/Fail Requirement for the Measure as Determined by District's Legal Counsel:
Majority of voters on this issue.
(e.g., Simple Majority, 60%, Minimum Turnout, etc.)
List Applicable Statutory References: Whatcom County Charter Section 8.20
Attached the Resolution with original signatures - or - a certified copy of the original
mill
Yes
Resolution?
Attached the Explanatory Statement for the Local Voters' Pamphlet? (now required for all
iii!
Yes
elections)
Also sent the Resolution and Explanatory Statement electronically to:
Yes
elections .co.whatcom.wa.us ?
Attached the "For" and "Against" Committee Appointment Forms?
Yes
Fully completed this cover sheet?
lid
Yes
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's Website: www. whatcomcount . uslauditor!
Note: The County Auditor will not accept a resolution without the completed cover sheet. It is the
submitter's responsibility to ensure that requested documentation is presented no later than the
resolution deadline date.
NWATCOM COUNTY COPP"'C.
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASTA., TOM
OfficLal Catrfie� CXPy .
�1 the C��T T�� wn-
RECEIVEC
AUG 0 4 2015 SPONSORED BY: CONSENT
DEBWEADEOMTOP
PROPOSED BY: CONSENT
WHATcorq (IMT4TION DATE: ]ULY 7, 2015
ORDINANCE NO. 2015-032
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
CHARTER TO REQUIRE A SUPERMA]ORITY OF EITHER THE
ENTIRE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION OR THE COUNTY
COUNCIL TO PROPOSE CHARTER AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Charter requires the Whatcom County
Council to have five affirmative votes in order to propose a Charter
amendment to the voters; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Charter Review. Commission has been
granted the authority in the Whatcom County Charter to propose Charter
amendments to the voters by filing their proposed amendments with the County
Council and having the County Council submit amendments to the voters; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council and the Whatcom County
Charter Review Commission should be held to the same standards in public
participation and in submitting Charter amendments to the voters; and
WHEREAS, achieving a supermajority agreement on proposing Charter
amendments requires a greater effort to set aside partisan agendas and achieve
bipartisan consensus than a simple majority vote; and
WHEREAS, reaching a supermajority agreement means more diverse
opinions are heard, included, and considered; and
WHEREAS, Charter Review Commission amendments have been proposed
with limited or no opportunity for public comment and without broad support,
achieving only a simple majority vote; and
WHEREAS, elected officials should work together for the good of all the
people of Whatcom County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council
that the County Auditor place on the November 2015 general election ballot a
Charter amendment, as outlined in Exhibit A to this ordinance, requiring a
supermajority vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of either the Charter
Review Commission or the Whatcom County Council to submit or propose a
charter amendment to the voters.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that both the Charter Review Commission
and the Whatcom County Council shall be held to the same high percentage of
votes required in order to propose Charter amendments to the voters and
neither body shall be required to achieve a higher or lower threshold than the
other for proposing any Charter amendment to the voters.
ADOPT�P11111%s2,st day of July
ATTEST\` J of
. °
Dana;Brouvri�rsE,T4<°of die Council
APPROVjF�D AS TO FORM
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
2015.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
***
Jack Louws, County Executive
( ) Approved ( ) Denied
Date Signed:
*** 7/28/2015: The Executive declined to sign
Whatcom County Councii Charter Amendment. Proposition #10
As adopted by the Whatcom County Council: Shall all Charter amendments proposed by
either the Charter Review Commission or the County Council be required to receive a
supermajority vote of the entire membership of the Commission or Council in order to be
placed on the ballot for voters to consider?
Ballot Title:
REDUCING PARTISAN AMENDMENTS THROUGH SUPERMAJORITY AGREEMENT
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning equal standards to submit Charter amendments. This measure would amend
8.21 and 8.23 of the Whatcom County Charter to'require any amendment proposed by the
County Council or the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the of the
Commission or Council. If passed, this amendment will supersede Ballot Propositions No. 2
and No. 3. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED,
EJECTED_
Amended Charter Language
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermajority (ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membership shall be required to file a proposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) of affirmative votes shall be
required supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. 10
AMENDMENTS BY THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend
Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the County Council or
the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or the Commission in
order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. If passed, this amendment would supersede Ballot
Propositions No. 2 and No. 3. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
The current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By comparison, a
supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before
the voters. If this amendment passes, a supermajority of both the Commission and the Council would
be required to place any proposed amendment from either body before the voters. If passed, this
amendment would supersede Propositions Nos. 2 and 3. If you favor this amendment, you should vote
against Propositions Nos. 2 and 3.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
County Charter:
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermalority (ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membership shall be re uired to file a proposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A Fninimurn ef fiVe (5) @_affi nati_yZ YVtLGee shall be
.]
FequffiF
eEl supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)
3r� rr si Committee Statement Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
�8MjN0T
This is the statement of the: X
for the: Primary Election
District:
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501)
Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
X General Election
Proposition Name. REDUCING PARTISAN AMENDMENTS THROUGH SUPERMAJORITV AGREEMENT
(e g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000)
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website:
www. whatcomcounty. us/auditor/
This form must be filled out in its entirety and returned with the committee statement.
Chair Member Name: Barbara Ryan
Contact Phone: 360-671-8376
E-mail: barbararyan88@hotmail.com
Committee members' names and the committee name (if applicable) will be published in the Local
Voters' Pamphlet in conjunction with the For/Against statements.
The Following will be Published:
"Statement Prepared by"
Fair & Equal Whatcom
Committee Name, if applicable
Barbara Ryan
Committee Member Name
Rebecca Boonstra
Committee Member Name
Darrell Hillaire
Committee Member Name
The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and
RCW 42.17.
p�Gg3n coo �.._
�A
3 Committee Appointment Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
Ff1N0
This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
for the: Primary Election General Election
District: 0 V Proposition Name: o
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000)
NOTE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff.
The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published.
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/
Committee Members 0A4. (�O
1. G; at Member Name: ?xLr\,1Ol l0
3� -319 -- g346 �
Contact Phone: o 7CE-mail: b a✓1 �
V Signature:. ; z
2. Member Name: �uvyzcca_ Rxn,�
Contact Phone:] (oD13PS- s5(35t E-mail: rebCCC6L6tn Sif&
,'Signature: %,_ C � CC�
3. Member Name: �Olii�� 01 1 Olr� I�'4C,
Contact Phone: 2(co Lk O Iwc s E-mail: (Jayea� �► ��S��or��G
Signature:
I hereby_certify the above -named individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
—_rl"o
.
Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the District) Date
The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17.
lANancy\2015\FRM Committee Appt Form.doc
t�e14
A
Committee Appointment Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
bilNa�
This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR
for the: Primary Election General Election
JUL 2 7 2015
WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCIL
Committee AGAINST
District: 1 '� I L { L.� `l Proposition Name: l� r-4-� N).m �c0
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000)
NOTE. The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff.
The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published.
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/
Committee Members
1 ClWiMember Name: ?ExLe�6A-
3cco -319 - g34k._�
Contact Phone: AcO ^ � n , "- C� E-mail. 6r EAVZ4
Signature:
1Adn-non 1. CZA,-,.
2. Member Name:
Contact Phone: 5P ?� E-mail: iP�jGCC�s`�,
0yV4Ill. C&"X-
Signature:
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3. Member Name: i k- T - I 1 d,
Contact Phone: .6�oI Lk O I Lcfs E-mail: Ckkrra�al;sp-Ny (k4e
Signature:
I hereby certify the above named individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
Authorized Signature (Individual with authority, to sign for the District)
Date
The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17.
1ANancy12015TRM Committee Appt Form.doc
Committee Statement Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
This is the statement of the:
for the: Primary Election
District: Whatcom County
(e.g., Bellingham School District501)
Committee FOR X Committee AGAINST
X General Election
Proposition Name: Prupo -ion .�—I.oyU.Ch re R.(wC ms' W th.C—yc..'a
(e.g_, General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000)
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website:
www. whatcomcounty. uslauditorl
This form must be filled out in its entirety and returned with the committee statement.
Chair Member Name: Delaine Clizbe
Contact Phone: 961-5764
E-mail: delaine918@gmail,com
Committee members' names and the committee name (if applicable) will be published in the Local
Voters' Pamphlet in conjunction with the For/Against statements.
The Following will be Published:
"Statement Prepared by":
Committee Name, if applicable
Delaine Clizbe, Chair
Committee Member Name
Dave McCluskey, Member
Committee Member Name
Committee Member Name
The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and
RCW 42.17.
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Committee Appointment Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
for the: Primary Election >" General Election
District: 01(K��f'1f1 CZ( )AV Proposition Name: ��'�+r` �' t�1 ein r,l 1 o
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995.000)
NOTE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff.
The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published.
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/
Committee Members
C%Rir Member Name: �Dav I d C IUS
Contact Phone: 34I 121 —c;bDS 3&Cf E-mail: _b0-01
nck-
Signature:
2. Member Name
Contact Phone
:D6a%Y)e_ Cli 2b-c
E-mail: d6ahe—00 e'
Signature:
3. Member Name:
Contact Phone:
Signature:
E-mail:
cam
the above,}r 3med individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
16 q `
Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the District) Date
The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17.
I:\Nancy\2015\FRM committee Appt Form.doc
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JUL 2 8 2015
Committee Appointment Form WHATCOM COUNTY
gti Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet COUNCIL
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This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
for the: Primary Election General Election
} 1 y t.
District: t)lACKI' �11�'1 �JL)( )"Av Proposition Name: ` `
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27.995,000)
NOTE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff.
The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published.
This form Is available In a fillabla form on the Auditor's websits: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/
Committee Members
1
2.
3.
Chair Member Name: 1 ayi U me c-IUsy
Contact Phone: ����� -,;bDdy- } E-mail 't&,d �Cdr�iC
Signature:
Member Name rilYi� _
Contact Phone: q co I - 57
Signature: _
E-mail:deu'11 e
o�,r►.-�,, .car
Member Name:
Contact Phone
Signature:
I hereby certify the above named individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the District)
Waic
The information provided on this form Is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17,
IMancy120151FRM Committee Appt Form.doc
Debbie Adelstein
From:
Karen Frakes
Sent:
Thursday, July 30, 2015 3:30 PM
To:
Dana Brown -Davis
Cc:
Debbie Adelstein
Subject:
last email
Attachments:
Explanatory Statements.docx
I suppose I should have attached them!
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. ? r _
Number of Council Districts and At -Large Council Positions
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning the number of Council districts and at -large positions. This measure would amend Charter
Sections 2.11 and 2.12 to create five districts of equal population. If passed, there would be one
council position in each of the five districts plus two at -large positions that would be nominated
without regard to district. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
Explanatory Statement:
Under the current Whatcom County Charter, Whatcom County is required to be divided into three
districts of equal population. In each district, there are two council positions. There is also currently
one at -large council position which is nominated without regard to residence in a particular district,
resulting in a total of seven council positions. This amendment would require that the county be
divided into five districts of equal population. Each of these districts would have one council position.
In addition, this amendment would increase the number of at -large positions to two, resulting in a
total of seven council positions.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
County Charter:
Section 2.11 Five Three Districts.
The County Council shall consist of seven (7) members, selected as follows: For purpose of nomination
of members of the Council, the county shall divide into five three districts so that each district shall
comprise as nearly as possible one -fifth third of the population of the county.
Section 2.12 Nominations.
(a) Nominees by district.
There shall be one twe Council positions in each of the five three districts, designated ""'"'"" (A) a a
respectively. At the primary election, the qualified electors of each district shall select two
(2) candidates for each position to be filled from their district.
(b) Nominee at large.
There shall be ene two Council positions designated councilmember at -large, which shall be nominated
in different years without regard to district, designated position (A) and position (B). respectively_. The
two candidates receiving the largest number of votes county -wide at the primary election shall be
certified as candidates for the position of councilmember at -large.
Transition language:
A Districting Committee shall be appointed by January 31 of 2016, as per Sections 4.40, 4.41, and
4.42 of the County Charter. The Committee shall draw a districting plan for five Council Districts. The
approximate geographic areas covered by each district are anticipated to be:
District 1 - Central and South Bellingham
District 2 - North Bellingham
District 3 - Deming, Kendall, Acme, Sudden Valley, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish and Chuckanut
District 4 - Lynden, Sumas, Everson and surrounding farmland
District 5 - Lummi Reservation, Lummi Island, Ferndale, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts.
Council positions 1A, 2A, 3A and the At -large Position shall become Council positions District 1, District
2, District 3 and At -large Position A, respectively. These positions will be elected commencing in 2017.
Council position 1B, 2B and 3B shall become At -large Position B, District 4 and District 5, respectively.
These positions shall be elected commencing in 2019.
All
BALLOT PROPOSITION NO. ?
AMENDMENTS BY THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL q
The Whatcom County Council has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter
concerning voting thresholds to place charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend l
Charter Sections 8.21 and 8.23 to require any amendment proposed by either the County Council or
the Charter Review Commission to have a supermajority vote of the Council or the Commission in
order to be placed before the voters on the ballot. If passed, this amendment would supersede Ballot
Propositions No. 2 and No. 3. Should this proposal be:
APPROVED
REJECTED
The current Whatcom County Charter requires that a simple majority of the Charter Review
Commission vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before the voters. By comparison, a
supermajority of the County Council must vote for a proposed charter amendment to place it before
the voters. If this amendment passes, a supermajority of both the Commission and the Council would
be required to place any proposed amendment from either body before the voters. If passed, this
amendment would supersede Propositions Nos. 2 and 3. If you favor this amendment, you should vote
against Propositions Nos. 2 and 3.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would make the following changes to the current Whatcom
County Charter:
Section 8.21 Amendments by the Charter Review Commission.
The Commission may propose amendments to the Charter by filing such proposed
amendments with the County Council who shall submit the amendment to the voters at the
next November general election at least ninety (90) days after the filing and registration of
the amendments. A supermajority (ten of fifteen) of affirmative votes of the entire
membership shall be required to file a_proposed amendment with the County Council.
Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council.
The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to
submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring
at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A
FeqHiFed supermajority (five of seven) of affirmative votes of the entire membership shall be
required to enact such an ordinance. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter
shalt not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive.
The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the
language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete.
Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. {Amended by
referendum 1995)