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Contact: Chris Tapio chris.tapio@legstrategies.com, 916-444-5428

League of Women Voters of Sacramento County Announces Support to Place Checks and Balances Act on November 2012 Ballot
Nonpartisan Group says Decision on City Charter Proposal Belongs to the Voters of this City SACRAMENTOToday, the League of Women Voters of Sacramento County announced their support to place the Checks and Balances Act on the November 6, 2012 ballot. The Checks and Balances Act is a new proposal to change the Sacramento City Charter under consideration by the Mayor and City Council. Key components include changing the citys governance structure and establishing new ethics and transparency provisions for city officials. "Changing the city charter is one of the most important decisions a community can make," said League President Lola Acosta. "But our Board believes that this decision ultimately belongs to the voters of this city. Weve decided to support placing the Checks and Balances Act on the November 2012 ballot, a date we believe will maximize voter participation on this important issue." Ms. Acosta noted that while supportive of placing the plan before voters, the League does not yet endorse the specific changes proposed in the Checks and Balances Act itself. The Leagues announcement is the latest in a series of statements of support. Earlier this month, former Sacramento Mayors Jimmie Yee and Phil Isenberg, as well as State Senate President Darrell Steinberg endorsed both the plan and a public vote. The Leagues position mirrors that of long-time collaborator and former Sacramento Mayor Anne Rudin. In a recent letter to the Sacramento Bee, Mayor Rudin wrote that while skeptical of the proposal, she believes the City Council should place it on the ballot in November for the voters to decide. The League of Women Voters of Sacramento County is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy. The Sacramento City Council is currently evaluating the plan for placement on the November 2012 ballot. The Council will next discuss the proposal at the Tuesday, February 7th Council Meeting as a follow up to an initial Council discussion at the January 17th, 2012 meeting. At that meeting, Council Members voiced several suggestions that have been incorporated into an amended version of the proposal. The Checks and Balances Plan is available at www.sacramento2020.org. For more information on the League, please visit http://www.lwvsacramento.org.