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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItems Distributed�Q Std i3 VOTERS Choose Policy Recommendations A BETTER SYSTEM FOR TUSTIN f 'r Implement a point -based ranked choice voting method. AUG 11 2018 Introduction Voter turnout in Tustin, like much of Orange County, consistently lies inthe low 50% range, meaning that elections consistently miss representing much of the population. Part of the problem is that the current system does not take into account the complex preferences we all have about politics in our cities and schools. We need a simple system that takes preferences into account, encouraging voters to turnout, and that ensures satisfaction with our representatives. The Voters Choose method, based on a system known as Borda Count, improves upon existing ranked -choice voting (RCV) methods by removing the need for complicated transfers and translating voter ranks to points. Voters' first choices receive the most points and subsequent choices all receive gradually reducing point values. Our system is cost-effective, easy to understand and explain, and ensures that all voter preferences matter. Background • The current Tustin system poses two main problems: it doesn't take all voter preferences into account and it does not promote collaboration among elected leaders. Approval voting often encourages "bullet voting," making the multiple vote options useless. Simple majority voting forces people into one of two camps, which stifles the number of political choices each voter receives. • A ranked choice voting system would allow citizens to rank their options and show how the degree of support they have for each candidate. Translating their ranks into points ensures a simple, understandable way to declare winners that the people of Tustin want to represent them. Our system also promotes collaboration, since candidates are not only vying for the electorate's first -choice votes but also lower ranks This promotes cooperation among similarly -minded candidates. Analysis The Voters Choose method solves the problems of the Tustin system by implementing a simple ranked -choice voting system. Our method would translate all voter rankings to decreasing point values from their first choice. Then all point values would be summed per candidate and the candidates with the most points are elected. The system delivers more proportionality than the existing system in a simpler manner while also taking all voter preferences into account. Voters Choose I voterschoose. info I voterschoose@gmail.com I St 2nd0i V(_)r1`TjRS ( "hoose Rd Throw the Rascal Out: Tustin's Electoral System! Background The Tustin City Council elects its members by giving you the choice to check off up to 2 or 3 boxes, depending on the number of seats up for re-election. The problem is that it keeps you from stating how you truly feel about politicians: even though you may like a candidate, it doesn't show your favorite candidate how much you support him or her. The 2016 election for the city council was so close because people couldn't give preferences, only the candidates they "liked." The Tustin School Board used to have this system, but will now only give you the choice to check one box in a trustee area. This system is even worse! This system is why we have a two-party system: a conservative third party hurts votes for the Republicans, and vice -versa. This has led to polarization, vitriolic politics, and gridlock. "Tustin USD Adopted Map s Election Timing s 2018: Areas 3 & 5 2020: Areas 1, 2, & 4 Find your address on this map to your future trustee area! jInformation Presidential General Date: 2016-11-08 Precinct: RESULTS .r Name Votes Pero CHARLESE 13662 28% CHLI(:K' PUCKETT LETITIACLARK 12748 26, I�t ALLAN BERNSTEIN 11974 24-o • � '>f AUSTIN LUMBARD 9900 20% Winner by Precinct t -S t- LE, �tA', AI t 4� b f<iV 4 M 1S Ut.!E R, StL The 2016 election for the city council was so close because people couldn't give preferences, only the candidates they "liked." The Tustin School Board used to have this system, but will now only give you the choice to check one box in a trustee area. This system is even worse! This system is why we have a two-party system: a conservative third party hurts votes for the Republicans, and vice -versa. This has led to polarization, vitriolic politics, and gridlock. "Tustin USD Adopted Map s Election Timing s 2018: Areas 3 & 5 2020: Areas 1, 2, & 4 Find your address on this map to your future trustee area! 31ri c Why Support Voters Chooses. Our Svstem We propose a simple, low-cost method of electing our officials that helps elect moderates who listen to your needs. How?? Our ranked -choice system is especially designed to be fair, simple, and representative: 1. All voters can rank up to their top five choices (including write- ins), and these are optional rankings, meaning you have a choice in the number of candidates you support 2. Each number gets point values 3. Officials add all the points up at the end 4. Election officials choose the winner based on the candidate(s) with the highest points Why It Works: The Voters Choose system not only allows you to choose among candidates- who you like- but also between candidates- how much you like them. This process does not intentionally favor a party or ideology; instead, it encourages a type of candidate, one who can appeal to many communities. It's a step towards making elections represent everyone's voice. Are you ready to make elections work for you? DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: 0 1 WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX p I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAM ADDF EMAIL: MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: AlWANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX n 1 WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER di WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NA AD EM ' -IL 2A MarHERS OT FDnf%j'W MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES �941 WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX 0 11 WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER i WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: _ -- NAMI ADDR EMAI km MarHERJ OLff FROW MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: o I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES El I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX o I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER �i WANT TO PROTECT KIDS` HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: jUaMiTJfl/_ILri = w MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: Li I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES ❑ 1 WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX El I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER d I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTH N A *m MOTHERS Off FRONT M081LIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: El I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES El I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX © 1 WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER 0<1 WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAM ADDF EMAIL: dLALA MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: 41 WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES VfWANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX Li I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER V WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAME: -��Aj Dl ADDRESS,CITY: � MarHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: ca I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES © I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX ui I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER V I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: ADDRE EMAIL; MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: m I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES 9 1 WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX a i WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER w I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER NAME: ADDRESS,CITY:, EMAIL..���+� dLIA MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES rl I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX Q I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHE NAME:- �J'A- LLCV,� -- - ADDRESS,CITY: EMAIL: iLALA MOTHERS OUTFROW MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: Al WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAME: .3 ADDRESS,CITY: EMAIL- ,, MarHERS JUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: &"I WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES W WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX 0 1 WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER F,KWANT TO PROTECT KIDS` HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAME:_, ADDRESS,CITY: *AM&.1A MOTHERS our FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: oI WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES FYI WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX E'�l WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER E4 WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAME:_ 1 (e) ffu ADDRESS,CITY: EMAIL: . � — MOTHERS Oar FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT TUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: VI WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES V1 WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX © I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER 0 WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER! NAME: 1�'I ADDRESS,CITY: �! EMAIL: MGMERS Otff FROW MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE DEAR MAYOR MURRAY, I WANT AUSTIN TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY BECAUSE: 1 WANT LOWER, MORE STABLE ELECTRICITY RATES I WANT MORE CLEAN ENERGY IN MY ELECTRICITY MIX d I WANT TO GET PAID MORE FOR MY EXCESS SOLAR POWER Ei I WANT TO PROTECT KIDS' HEALTH AND FUTURE OTHER: NAME: ADDRESS,CITY: EMAIL: '--, - MOTHERS OUT FRONT MOBILIZING FOR A LIVABLE CLIMATE Edwards June 22, 2018 RE: Support for Community Choice Energy (CCE) Dear Mayor Wagner and Council, Thank you for taking a leading role in studying Community Choice Energy, potentially a fiscally responsible way to lower or stabilize electricity rates, provide choice to ratepayers, and move our region toward greener energy. Edwards Lifesciences supports the City in moving forward with a formal study of Community Choice Energy. Our company represents approximately 5,000 employees in the local area. Community Choice gives Orange County businesses local control over our energy future, helps stabilize or reduce rates, and provides us with the freedom to choose the source of our electricity. We are particularly interested in stabilizing or reducing electricity costs for businesses and the opportunity for a local community choice program to buy increasing amounts of power from local sources, supporting local jobs and local economic development. We believe the city should join California's 16 counties and more than 140 cities in the movement for clean energy, clean jobs, and local choice through Community Choice Energy. Thank you for supporting energy choice for Irvine. We look forward to partnering with you on creating a stronger, more resilient clean energy future. Sincerely, Tom Porter Vice President, Corporate Services Edwards Lifesciences CC: Donald P. Wagner, Mayor donaldwaLqner@cityofirvine.org Christina Shae, Mayor Pro Tern christinashae(a)-cityofirvine.org Jeffrey Lalloway, Councilmember ieffreyialloway(Wcityofirvine.orq Melissa Fox, Councilmember melissafox cit oflrvine.or Lynn Schott, Councilmember I nnschott cit ofirvine.or Edwards Lifesciences LLC One Edwards Way • Irvine, GA USA • 92614 Phone: 949.250.2500 • Fax: 949.250.2525 • www.edwards.com (A IV T RE: Support for Study of Community Choice Energy (CCE) Dear Mayor Wagner and Council, 1+JN 19 2018 CITY of IRVINE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE June , 2018���� Thank you for taking a leading role in studying Community Choice Energy, potentially a fiscally responsible way to lower or stabilize electricity rates, provide choice to ratepayers, and move our region toward greener energy. Hoag Hospital Irvine supports the City in moving forward with a formal study of Community Choice Energy. From what we understand studying other counties and cities, Community Choice has the potential to help Orange County businesses have local control over our energy future; help stabilize or reduce our rates; purchase more locally produced energy, including higher renewables; and provide Hoag with additional freedom to choose the source of our electricity_ We are particularly interested in the opportunity for a local community choice program to buy increasing amounts of power from local sources, supporting local jobs and local economic development. Hoag has benefitted from a strong relationship with Southern California Edison, however is interested in a study that would provide insight for stabilizing or reducing energy costs, while also maintaining a highly reliable transmission and distribution of power so our facility can minimize outages and downtimes for the highest patient safety for our community. We believe the city should join California's 11 counties and more than 100 cities in the movement for clean energy, clean jobs, and local choice through Community Choice Energy. c�c Thank you for committing to understanding more about freedom of energy choice for Irvine. We look forward to partnering with you on creating a stronger, more resilient clean energy future. Sincerely, Sanford Smith Senior VP, Real Estate, Facilities, Construction and Operations Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian CC: Donald P. Wagner, Mayor (Iona ldwaener@djyaf rvine.org Christina Shae, Mayor Pro Tem christimashaeftiMflo ine.orm Jeffrey Lalloway, Councilmennber ieffreylailoway@cityofin ine_org Melissa Fox, Councilmember melissafox@Ciiyofirvine.ore Lynn Schott, Councilmember 1 nns holt a cit ofirvine.or Get Unlimited Access To Local News 994 Per Month Subscribe thttp://offers.desutsun.com/specialoffer'.) gps- source= BENIBaug3rutm_medium=nonobarap8&utm„source=bounce- exchange&utm_aampaign=18SUMMER20) Rancho Mirage Energy Authority to offer $500 residential solar rebates SimLe-U-a,Y-4m Palm Springs Desert Sun Published 2:416 p.m. PT July 24, 2038 The city of Rancho Mirage is hoping to encourage more residents to install solar panels on their home by offering a new rebate program. The program, approved by the Rancho Mirage City Council last week, will give eligible residents a $500 rebate after the completion of a new solar project. Councilman Ted Weill said the move is just another example of what the city can do for its residents. He said (Photo: Jay CaWron/rhe Desert the program's approval further shows that the city is a proponent of sustainability and solar energy. Sun) "We do this with our residents in mind and we are fortunate we can afford to do this," Weill said. Officials said solar installations tend to immediately lead to lower electricity bills for residents and higher property values. Rancho Mirage City Manager Isaiah Hagerman estimates the program will cost the city $150,000 a year, with the dollars coming from the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority funds. The cost to the city is estimated based on the annual average number of solar permits the city has issued in prior years. Hagerman said the city typically issues 300 solar permits per year. ADVERTISEMENT California Launches No Cost Solar Program r%) Green Energy Tribune VISIT SITE More: Rancho Mirage to upgrade traffic sy i ; future with CVAQ.fitjll uncertain (lssto news/2018/07231tincho-mirages - orave_cilys-2-4-million-pts? iect1810002002/1. Councilman Dana Hobart asked during Thursday's council meeting if it would be more prudent to waif to see how the energy authority fares before delegating a use for a fraction of the funds. Hagerman said the authority is in its third month of operation and is already seeing a positive cash Flow. The program is anticipated to generate a $1.3 million surplus after its first year. If it tums out the energy authority doesn't generate enough revenue to fund the rebate program, the council can vote to stop it at any time. Nate Lewis, Renova Energy vice president of sales, said he was happy to see the city encourage homeowners to go solar. Lewis said he doesn't believe local solar companies will see their sales double because of the rebate program, but said he does think it will make solar more accessible to residents. "Really, it is a benefit for the homeowner, which is what it should be," Lewis said. The average price to install solar In the desert ranges between $30,000 and $40,000. Typically, residents see a 20 percent to 50 percent energy cost savings, though it takes about six years before residents recoup the installation cost. The program requires residents to be enrolled in the RMEA program for at least a year or to be a member since the authority's inception. Rebates will be given for new residential projects after they are completed. RMEA was launched in May and aims to reduce resident electricity bills by providing residents with cheaper energy rates than Southern California Edison offers. More: JQiperial Irrigation District sues.Riverside QouZ over'un r power rule ((tgry/tech/scie een /energy12018107/17rid-sues-riverside- opYy-aver-u nprecedented-solar-power-rute/7922240921] However, the city is looking to expand the rebate program to residents outside of RMPA, at the request of Councilman Hobart. Hobart said if the point of the program is to encourage more renewable energy in the city, it shouldn't matter where those residents get their energy from. Hagerman said most Rancho Mirage residents are RMEA members, with less than 1 percent of households opting out of the community choice program to remain customers of SCE. There are two small sections of the city that are Imperial Irrigation District customers, but Hagerman said he does not expect many of those customers to install solar because IID made changes to its net metering program, leading 1113 customers to reap fewer benefits for going solar. Desert Sun reporter Nicole Hayden covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at Nicole.Hayden@desertsun.com or (760) 778-4623. Follow bar on Twitter @Nicole A_Hayden. Subscribe Now Join now (http://offemdessitsun.com/specialoffer* 994 Per Month sps source=BEAZaug m_medium_agilityzone&u exchange&utm_c paign=UWEB2017) Read or Share this story: https:lldesert.sn/2NEehjd