BEAG Meeting Summary 072421 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

4 since the different parties actively supported their preferred candidates, so non-partisan elections often did not have the intended effect. He stated that he was not inclined to nine commissioner seats due to additional cost to taxpayers and single member districts gave those with less means to be able to afford to run. Group Co-Chair Hazirjian shared that she agreed with some of the comments made by Group Member Williams, that she supported single member residency and voting districts, and that she would have preferred to have more responses from non-white residents as part of the SurveyMonkey. Group Member Mondal noted that the responses from the SurveyMonkey and the preliminary perspectives from Group members aligned regarding seats being elected by district. Group Member Jenkins noted that she thought there were only two options up for consideration based on discussion—seven single member districts, or five or seven single member districts with two at-large seats. The concept of straw votes was discussed. However, Anne Marie Tosco from the County Attorney's Office noted that, for lack of a specific procedure, Robert's Rules of Order did not provide the option for straw votes. 6. Discussion on Finalizing Recommendations The Group moved forward to discussing whether there was a consensus on seven commissioner seats. Group Co-Chair Hazirjian commented that either of the options with seven single member districts noted by Group Member Jenkins opened up opportunities to vote. Group Member Catterall expressed support for seven commissioner seats. Group Member Arab noted the current seven seats and that she was not in favor of any at large seats. Group Member Dancy shared that nine people on a board was a lot, that she was currently serving on another commission and they were trying to reduce that committee down from nine members, and that seven members was preferable. Group Co-Chair Hazirjian questioned if the Group wanted to provide a set recommendation in its report to the Board of Commissioners, or a set of ideas and some specific things to not consider. Group Member Sykes recommended that the Group specifically state in its report that the current system is not acceptable. Group Members Hazirjian and Catterall agreed with Group Member Sykes. Group Member Bremer expressed interest in a single recommendation, but also note other items and options that were considered. Group Co-Chair Mulkey inquired with Group members regarding a motion that made a statement regarding the current system for electing members of the Board of Commissioners. Group Member Sykes motioned that the Group state that the current system to elect commissioners is not acceptable and unsatisfactory in Orange County based on the Group's research, SurveyMonkey responses, and the real world results in